Spitfire the Cat
Fighter Factory

The Fighter Factory would cease to function if it were not for the presence of its most skilled and knowledgeable mechanic and manager, Spitfire the Kitten.

Spitfire taking a catnap after some serious aircraft maintenance

Although she weighs a mere 6.5 pounds and stands only 10 inches tall (in stocking feet), no one dares to question the authority she has over each and every member of our crew. A plane will not even leave the hangar if it has not passed her rigorous inspection process, a series of exacting test which include sleeping on the seats, getting dusty paw prints on the wings and sharpening her claws on the tires.

Spitfire came to us in the Spring of 2001, limping into the hangar bedraggled, frightened, and hungry. We fed the poor kitten food from our lunches and we gave her a place to sleep. She immediately adopted us. Her name comes from the plane, of course, but not because we liked it - she would sleep in its cockpit every night. The association was natural.

Now, she is fully grown, spayed, and as healthy as she can be. She loves to be held (when she is in the mood), and is incredibly playful. And yes, she does catch mice. So, when you stop by the Fighter Factory, be sure to say hi to Spitfire - and you best check in with her before you observe the planes - she doesn't like fingerprints on HER warbirds!