Last Updated on 8 January 2026 by Vanessa
Grocery shopping can be a mundane task. But thanks to one cat at the local Safeway store in Portland, Oregon, it becomes a highlight of the day. Thanks to Cecil, shoppers leave with smiles, laughs, and a great story.
If you’re visiting Portland, it’s worth stopping by this Safeway just to meet Cecil the cat.
Meet Cecil, the cat who makes grocery shopping at Safeway a delightful experience
Cecil’s daily Safeway routine
Cecil is a friendly, lovable cat who has made a habit of stopping by a Safeway store in Portland almost every morning. Regular customers have come to expect him, and his visits never fail to bring a few smiles.
Some days he waits by the entrance, ready to greet shoppers as they walk in from the parking lot. Other times, he can be found curled up for a nap on top of soda boxes near the window. Either way, Cecil has become a familiar and beloved part of the store’s daily routine.
In fact, he’s often the first “customer” of the day, patiently waiting for the counters to open. His punctual appearances have made him well known among Safeway regulars.
Now and then, concerned shoppers call the number on his collar to make sure he isn’t lost. They’re greeted with a reassuring message: “If you’re calling about Cecil at the Safeway, don’t worry. He just likes to hang out there. He lives nearby and will head home when he’s ready.”
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Cecil’s love for attention
Many customers believe that Cecil keeps coming back to the store because he loves the attention he receives.
They enjoy interacting with him, petting him, and sharing their love for cats.
Cecil’s presence adds an element of joy and happiness to the shopping experience, making the otherwise mundane task more enjoyable.
Just like the famous store cats of Vicenza and Dingle, Cecil has become somewhat of a local celebrity.
The store has become known as Cecil’s hangout, and his friendly presence has earned him plenty of fans. Many cat lovers go out of their way to shop at this Safeway just for the chance to see him.
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Cecil’s impact on the Safeway store in Portland
Cecil’s charm goes beyond mere entertainment. His presence has had a positive impact on the store and its customers.
The local Safeway store of Portland has seen an increase in sales of cat treats as customers often purchase extra treats for their own cats, just so they can share a couple with Cecil as they leave the store.
This unexpected boost in cat treat sales has brought in additional revenue for the store.
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Final thoughts
Cecil the cat has become a beloved fixture at a Safeway in Portland, Oregon. He shows up daily and brings joy, laughs, and a real sense of community to both customers and staff. His story reminds us just how much animals can enrich our lives and create meaningful connections.
If you love cats—or know someone who does—share this heartwarming story with your fellow cat fans and on social media. Spread the joy and introduce them to the charming tale of Cecil, the Safeway cat. Let’s celebrate the special bond between people and animals and the happiness they bring. A quick share might be all it takes to brighten someone’s day with Cecil’s story. 🐾
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Update: the ban on Cecil
Unfortunately, Safeway management recently decided to ban Cecil from entering the store.
The news shocked regular customers, many of whom had grown attached to seeing him during their visits. Cecil was always friendly. He never caused problems and consistently kept his distance from prepared food areas. Because of this, the ban has left many customers disappointed and hoping for his return.
In response, concerned shoppers launched a petition urging Safeway to reverse the decision and welcome Cecil back.
Supporters point to his positive impact on the store, including increased sales of cat treats and the strong customer support he brings in. The petition also highlights successful store cats in other cities, like Tiverton and Saltney, as proof that this kind of arrangement can work.
As more people signed on, management decided to recognize Cecil’s value and allowed him back into the store.
Pin Cecil the cat’s story!
