Tomba is no ordinary cat. He is a legend, a small furry creature with a big heart who captured the hearts of many in Switzerland during the late 1980s and early 1990s — and remains unforgettable as the “mountaineering cat” to this day.
Birth and Naming
This little rascal was born in August 1988 at the mountain hotel Schwarenbach near Gemmipass in the Valais region, at about 2,000 meters altitude.
The hotel owners nicknamed him Tomba, inspired by the Italian ski world champion Alberto Tomba. Even as a kitten, he showed tremendous energy: as soon as he learned to walk, he eagerly roamed the alpine scree fields surrounding the mountain lodge, which had been built as early as 1742. His early birthplace and chosen habitat shaped his “spiritual home” in the Bernese Alps.
A Life Between Mountains and People
While many cats prefer the comfort of a warm house, Tomba was drawn to the mountains. Instead of curling up by the fireplace in a cozy basket, he sought adventure on the peaks. His owners, avid hikers and climbers, often took him along on tours that most cats would never dream of.
Mountaineering Career
At just ten months old, Tomba accompanied climbers to the 3,448-meter summit of Rinderhorn and shortly thereafter to the 3,698-meter Balmhorn — two impressive peaks in the Bernese Alps. He made these trips around 15 to 20 times in total. Tomba climbed independently, refusing to be carried, using his sharp claws like “crampons.” He quickly became a regular companion on mountain tours in the region.
Tomba chose his hiking partners deliberately: in the evenings, he would curiously sniff the backpacks of new mountain hut guests and decide which group to join. In the mornings, the alert cat patiently waited by the door, letting other groups pass until he set off with his preferred climbing team. He never let himself be carried — only during short breaks would he accept a brief rest on a backpack.
At the summit, a sausage or piece of cheese often awaited him as a reward before he accompanied his companions back down.
Fame and Legends
Soon, word of this unusual summit climber spread far beyond the Alps. Newspapers from New York, South Africa, and Japan reported on Tomba, and even Swiss television dedicated a documentary to him. In the 1990s, a postcard featuring his image was printed. Thanks to this coverage, Tomba became internationally known and a local celebrity.
A particularly dramatic anecdote added to his legend: a young climbing couple recounted how Tomba suddenly stopped and took shelter behind a rock during a tour — just seconds before an avalanche tore down the path at that exact spot. On another occasion, his persistent hesitation reportedly warned a group away from a dangerous snowfield. Stories like these reinforced the idea that Tomba instinctively acted as a living avalanche warning system.
Death and Legacy
In spring 1993, the adventurous life of the little mountaineer ended abruptly: at only four years old, Tomba succumbed to feline leukemia. His early death brought sorrow to the hosts and guests, but his myth endured.
Later, specialist magazines and columns honored the memory of this extraordinary cat — in 1995, the NZZ Magazin Folio published an article about Tomba, and as recently as 2022, Swiss columnist Caroline Fink cited him as an example of a legendary summit cat. Thus, Tomba’s memory lives on as a “summit conqueror,” firmly rooted in regional Alpine history.
A Symbol of Freedom and Courage
Tomba’s story stands for more than just a cat who loved to climb. It symbolizes courage to try new things, the freedom to follow one’s own path, and the special bond between humans and animals based on trust and respect.
Why We Still Admire Tomba Today
Decades later, Tomba continues to inspire animal lovers and mountain enthusiasts alike. His story reminds us of the incredible abilities animals possess and how important it is to appreciate and protect nature.
Tomba in Art
As an artist, I was deeply touched by Tomba’s unique story. My detailed pencil drawing is a tribute to his courage, adventurous spirit, and the special friendship that made him so extraordinary.
