Like most of us who become part of the Macquarie University campus community, whether long-term or fleeting, it’s safe to say you don’t forget the first time you meet Pixie.
As though meeting Pixie is some strange but important campus litmus test, she often ignites a rollercoaster of emotions, from “omg, what is that?” to “I have only just met this fluffy furball but prepare the horses – we ride at dawn.”
Of course, beyond her Ragdoll coat and lovable demeanour, do not be fooled – Pixie is far more than just a pat-able face.
Firstly, she is a Virgo, ruled by Mercury, which means she is reliable, dependable and, much like your beloved grandma, always there when you need her.
Pixie is far more than just a pat-able face. Image: Amy Shidiak
Granted, she has a reputation for sleeping through philosophy classes, catching spiders throughout the wooden walls of the Michael Kirby Building, and generally making herself at home wherever she pleases.
Her eyes are a striking shade of blue, perfectly suited to her ability to make prolonged eye contact with anyone who dares walk past without saying hello. And despite her youthful spirit, Pixie is, in fact, 14, which makes her roughly 72 to 80 years old in human years – proof, of course, that it’s never too late to start a university degree.
Oh, and she and Doja Cat have never been seen in the same room together. Coincidence? We don’t think so.
Robert Smith, Pixie’s owner, started bringing her to his classes during his first year at Macquarie University.
Tucked safely inside his backpack, her arrival in class usually prompts the same reaction as when she is spotted walking freely alongside Robert on campus: pure delight.
“I started taking her in 2024, in Semester One, and the response of basically everyone has been extremely positive. I've never had a negative experience with either staff or students,” explains Smith.
“People just love Pixie. After the initial couple of minutes of realising she is a cat, Pixie just sleeps in, sits on a chair, gets in a bag, and the lecture or tutorial carries on as usual.
“And then usually at the end, people come for a pat and a little chat, and it's quite a lovely experience. Not just for Pixie and everyone, but I get a lot of social interaction as well, which is quite lovely.”
It’s a journey that began four years ago, when Pixie’s original owner got a job as a flight attendant and could no longer care for her.
When Smith first met her, the connection was immediate.
“Pixie was staying at a friend’s house, and when I visited, there was another cat who was bullying Pixie, and I made like a really strong connection with Pixie initially. I laid down, and she came and laid on my chest, and they ended up saying, "Oh, do you want her?"
“And then I thought about it, and a week later, I came and picked her up – I've had her for about four years now.”
As their friendship blossomed, so did Pixie’s curiosity. Before long, she was not simply ruling the living room but joining Robert on trips around Sydney.
Robert Smith, Pixie’s owner, started bringing her to his classes during his first year at Macquarie University. Image: Amy Shidiak
Despite what you might think, Robert didn’t need to train Pixie at all. There was no elaborate cat-whispering or playing hard to get; she simply plonked herself inside Robert’s travelling backpack, and the rest was a purr-fectly natural progression.
Since then, Pixie has become something of a campus celebrity – appearing in classrooms, wandering around campus with Robert and, most importantly, offering students a welcome distraction from the everyday stresses of university life.
“She’s probably the most special cat you could ever meet,” says Smith as Pixie purrs.
“I've also had so many students come up and say, ‘Oh, they've got a really tough exam later,’ or they just came out of an exam, and this is exactly what they needed to brighten their day.”
But Pixie’s influence stretches well beyond the Macquarie campus. Smith has seen first-hand just how much a visit from Pixie can mean, including during one particularly poignant trip to a nursing home.
“I did volunteer briefly at a nursing home with Pixie as a support animal for the residents.
“A woman's dying wish was to see Pixie on her last day. So I brought Pixie in, and all the family was there, and Pixie lay down on this 80-plus-year-old woman's chest.
“It was a really touching moment – it was really moving.”
A woman's dying wish was to see Pixie in person. Image: Amy Shidiak
Of course, the person who has been shaped by Pixie the most is Smith.
Reflecting on their relationship, it’s clear that Pixie has become far more than just a furry companion. Since arriving at Macquarie, she has helped Robert meet people, build relationships and become more connected with the university community.
He says she has even motivated him to work harder and helped him access opportunities, including a university trip to India.
“I think one of the main things that actually did was it made me a better student because I became more well-known,” reflects Smith.
“It definitely made me try a lot harder because I forged these pretty good relationships. Even now, I'll meet up with my professors for a coffee or a beer, and I even had the opportunity with the university to go to India – that was absolutely amazing – I think that has a lot to do with the impact of Pixie.”
As Robert prepares for his next chapter after graduating from university, we can only hope Pixie continues to visit and shape the university experience of those on campus.
Until then, we’ll simply follow the meows and the crowds.