Meet Max, who is the world's first & only cat to get a doctorate degree from a university

Step aside, traditional graduation tales! The class of 2024 at Vermont University has an unexpected addition to their roster of graduates: Max, a remarkable 6-year-old cat. Max isn't your average feline – he is pioneering a new realm of academia by becoming possibly the first cat to earn a doctorate degree, specialising in the purrfectly punny field of "Litter-ature."

Dr Max the cat/ Vermont State University

Max has been a familiar sight around Vermont State University’s Castleton campus ever since Ashley Dow, his owner, started letting him out of their nearby home. 

Maurice Ouimet, the school's dean of admissions, describes Max as "very affectionate" and often the first to greet him in the mornings. 

Max's routine revolves around interacting with students, climbing on backpacks, and posing for selfies.

Dr Max the cat with students/ Vermont State University

Describing Max as charismatic, Ouimet notes how he naturally draws people to him. The idea to make Max an honorary member of the class of 2024, complete with a doctorate in "Litter-ature," came from the school's social media manager, Rob Franklin. 

Also read: 'You can work hard, & still lose': Roger Federer's Dartmouth College speech is inspiration to make better life decisions

While the university doesn't actually grant doctorates to animals, Max's honorary title - doctorate in "Litter-ature" - acknowledges the real support and joy he brings to the campus community.

Dr Max the Cat's official diploma/ Vermont State University

When Vermont State University contacted Dow about the degree, she was taken aback and amused by the unexpected turn of events. At first, some people in her life found it hard to believe. One coworker even thought she was a little "crazy" for sharing the news until Max's appearances on the news validated the unusual accomplishment.

Dr Max's official diploma would be sent to his home via mail.

Max's influence extends even further with his own school email and directory page, managed by Dow and her daughter, Kaitlyn Tanner. They have even responded to messages from as far away as Germany and England.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.