Dijon. Born in a Crous residence and become its mascot, the cat Mimine is threatened with expulsion

Mimine was born somewhere in Crous Mansart, in Dijon, thirteen or fourteen years ago, maybe fifteen. Never mind. This mascot, an emblematic resident of the place, “has been there longer than all the students and reception staff who have succeeded one another here,” says one student. With each new school year, it’s hard for them to miss it. A chair, bowls and a designated litter box, Mimine is everywhere, without disturbing. “She can go see everyone, she is always delighted to be petted, to play, she is our ray of sunshine,” explains a young resident.

Soon to be placed in foster care?

However, for several weeks, the balance of this joyful daily routine has been threatened by the potential departure of Mimine. According to the students, the new management would have questioned the presence of the animal in the building and is considering placing the oldest member in a foster family. “She never caused any problems, was never aggressive, quite the contrary. In addition, today, the trend is more to reintegrate animals everywhere, such as in retirement homes for example, or in certain prisons, where it can really help people to be in contact with animals. Here, it goes completely in the opposite direction,” lament some students.

When questioned, management, which confirmed the information, explained such a decision by the presence of an employee phobic of the animal. “She is very inconvenienced by the presence of cats,” explains Jérôme M’Rabet, site director of Crous de Dijon. “We will therefore see if it is possible to have it adopted, by contacting associations. » In the meantime, the director assures him, the cat is still “like a pasha”.

Dozens of expressions of affection

To challenge this choice which they consider incomprehensible, many students participated in the development of a small notebook, a sort of guest book, where everyone could write, in a personal capacity, why Mimine was inseparable from the place and essential to their eyes. “Unfortunately, the notebook disappeared after a few days. But we took a photo of it, and kept all these precious little words,” explains a student.

From page to page, the love for Mimine continues to spread. “For my part, meeting Mimine allows me to feel a little more at home, as if a little warmth and comfort were invited into my days. In a living environment where many students already experience a significant mental load, small gestures or elements that promote a feeling of well-being are essential,” we can read for example.

Mimine is also a way for students to engage in discussion with staff, but also to break the loneliness that is sometimes heavy for many of them. “Mimine always cheered me up when I felt too alone in my small apartment. She is a presence that helps on a daily basis, so to tell me that she is leaving in less than a month brings tears to my eyes and a lump in my stomach. »

Regarding the well-being of residents, to which Mimine is definitely no stranger, Jérôme M'Rabet would like to reassure. “We are committed to listening to students but also taking animal welfare into account. We will do everything we can to ensure that the cat is treated as well as possible. We are acting with humanity, he will not leave until a suitable solution is found. But we can't satisfy everyone. »

The students, for their part, “simply wish that she could end her days here, where she has always lived. If she is sent elsewhere, she will be afraid, will be locked up and then isolated. She’s used to seeing students every day since she was born, she has to stay.”