The purr-sonable cat that runs Wareham's Aubuchon

Those purr-using the aisles of the Aubuchon Ace Hardware at 137 Marion Road should mind their ankles while shopping, as one employee has a knack for swatting at pant legs. 

With four paws, a hot pink collar and an attitude like no other, Cinder the cat isn't your normal Ace Hardware employee— she can't use a register and she's always clocked in.

"She acts like she's the queen of the castle," said employee Dan Carneiro, one of Cinder's lucky favorite people. 

The infamous feline joined the Aubuchon family in February 2025 after the retirement of the former cat-shier, Louie. Louie started his golden years and hung up his nametag alongside the former assistant manager. 

"Louie retired and it was the winter and we realized morale was down and everyone was asking when we would get another," he said. 

According to Carneiro, the presence of felines in hardware stores is nothing out of the ordinary. Many Ace Hardware locations make space for cats that live in-store and only leave to explore outside the shop, and Wareham's location is no different. 

With one visit to Forever Paws Animal Shelter in Fall River and an immediate connection with Carneiro, the rest is hiss-tory. Cinder was adopted by the store and brought back to Wareham to start her first shift. 

Carnerio said it took around a week for her to get acclimated to the large space, smells and customer setting of Aubuchon. 

"You'll never find her in the same spot day to day, she loves to play hide and seek around the store," he said. "She'll hide around a product and then as you're walking by just reach out and tag your leg. She's very comfortable with pulling on people's pant legs." 

Although, her job description didn't stop at "morale booster." Cinder's arrival served a bigger purpose beyond being a cuddly cat to pet while customers shop.

Cinder serves as the store's exterminator, catching mice and nearby rodent thieves. Canerio said the employees haven't seen any mice activity in the store, and that Cinder makes sure to show off her hunts regardless. 

"We've had her actually bring in mice that she's found outside to the front door. She's brought other wild animals inside the store too," he said. "This last summer, she brought a live rabbit into the store and let it run around— then she captured it and dragged it back out." 

For all her diva-like quirks, Canerio said she brings joy to the customers and employees. His favorite thing about her is her playful energy that hasn't waned. 

With Cinder signs dotted around the store asking guests to mind her presence, she has made her mark within the hardware store. Though, her spotlight might have to be shared soon. 

"Corporate recommends two cats per store," Canerio said. "We're looking to get her a sibling to live with her, that way she has someone else to play with, especially when we're closed on holidays." 

For now, Cinder can be found lounging in beds, slinking through the parking lot and making the shopping experience at Aubuchon Ace Hardware a-mew-sing.