Oliver the cat was about as famous as any in Marion — maybe even Marion County.

His picture was featured in advertisements, promoting sales at his owners’ business and the cat’s birthday.

He belonged to Brad and Jeannie Wildin, owners of County Seat in Marion.

According to Jeannie, Oliver had been struggling with illness and had two surgeries.

“We thought we had him on the mend but he died Saturday morning,” she said.

Often seen sunbathing in a window or wandering through the showroom, the striped cat was loved — and petted — by numerous patrons over the years.

Rescued from an animal shelter, Oliver was the focus of a sale each year around the feline’s birthday. The sales were gala events that included an open house and refreshments that always included “kitty litter cake.”

One year, there was a cute pet contest in honor of Oliver.

As with many “business” pets, Oliver was a fixture in the store — not only belonging to the County Seat but the entire community.

— susan berg