
Szczecin, a bustling port city in Poland close to Germany, boasts numerous tourist attractions. Visitors can explore the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle, featuring a stunning clock tower and the cell of a witch who supposedly cursed its inhabitants centuries ago. Additionally, Kasprowicza Park offers a picturesque tree-lined pathway that’s beautiful year-round.
However, Gacek, a plump tuxedo cat with a perfect five-star Google rating, steals the show. As reported by Notes from Poland, Gacek gained fame after a viral video by local news outlet wSzczecinie in 2020. Marta Nowicka, a resident interviewed in the video, shared that Gacek first appeared on Kaszubska Street in Szczecin about seven years prior. Over time, the once-skinny cat grew into a beloved, chubby local icon thanks to the kindness of passersby.
Gacek—whose name means “long-eared bat” in Polish—resides in a sheltered wooden box outside a shop, where he enjoys the constant admiration of tourists. While he has no official owner, the community has set guidelines for visitors. A nearby animal shelter advises against feeding him directly, and a sign near his home—likely placed by the shopkeepers who unofficially care for him—asks that any food be left in sealed packages. Tourists are welcome to photograph Gacek but should avoid disturbing him if he’s napping.
Over 2580 Google users have visited Gacek as a tourist hotspot, sharing their experiences in glowing reviews. Most rated him five stars, with many describing their encounters in imaginative terms. “True to his nature, he ignored me completely, making the moment utterly heartwarming,” wrote a visitor from Oslo. “A great cat for a pleasant evening or even a relaxing afternoon,” remarked another. One reviewer even jokingly gave Gacek five stars, claiming he “saved my marriage, healed my child, rescued my aunt from a fire, and helped me move after losing my home to financial hardship.”
Gacek has been hailed as a “stunningly handsome and magnificent creature,” a “source of pure joy,” and “definitely not a dog.” One reviewer perfectly captured his charm in a succinct two-word phrase: “He chomnk.”
While Gacek has received a few one-star reviews, most critiques focus on his caretaker or express concern about his weight. Admittedly, he once scratched someone’s arm and snatched a sausage, but as they say, nobody’s perfect.