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Police unit’s ‘SWAT Cat’ gets swanky new quarters
The new kitty condo is outside of the SWAT team’s home base on Warren Avenue. (Boston Police Department)
By Steve Annear
Globe Staff

A fancy new development has gone up in Roxbury ­— but it’s only big enough for a single occupant.

Members of the Mobile Unit at the Boston Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics headquarters have built a custom-made outdoor living facility for their unofficial mascot, a stray calico they’ve dubbed “SWAT Cat.’’

The one-story feline apartment features a spacious studio interior layout, a large deck for outdoor dining, and glass sliding doors, according to a post on the department’s website.

“SWAT Cat moved right in and looks very happy with her new custom kitty accommodations,’’ according to police officials.

Officer Jamie Pietroski stayed at work after hours to put together the intricate living quarters, which is insulated and has a heating pad. Police placed the home outside the SWAT team’s base on Warren Avenue.

The unit adopted the black, orange, and white female cat when she suddenly appeared at SWAT headquarters, which houses officers from SWAT, the motorcycle unit, and the hazardous materials response team, around two years ago.

In December 2015, the cat earned national recognition when police announced she was missing. They asked for the public’s help finding her.

Police described the absence of SWAT Cat, who would greet them when they pulled into the station and sleep on motorcycles and armored vehicles, “like going to work and not seeing a well-liked coworker.’’

Shortly after making their plea to help locate the feline, the cat popped up again, slightly malnourished, and resumed her role as the team mascot.

Now, she’s living in style.

Steve Annear can be reached at steve.annear@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @steveannear.