Charlotte family’s beloved cat turns 15, so they throw her a quinceañera party

A Charlotte family is getting national media coverage for throwing an elaborate quinceañera party for their beloved cat, Luna, who just turned 15.

Quinceañeras are Latino coming-of-age parties that mark a girl’s transition into womanhood when she turns 15 years.

Luna wore a frilly pink dress to the affair and she got a custom-baked cake. Guests even sang to her, though video shows she spent at least part of the party under the table.

Images of the event were posted on social media, and have gotten national attention, including a story in People magazine. (People’s headline: “Family Throws Stunning Senior Cat Lavish Quinceañera for Her 15th Birthday Complete with Custom Gown.”)

“She’s not just an ordinary cat, she’s a member of our family,” owner Brigitte Olavarria told the Huffington Post. “She has a big personality.”

It was her sister, Angel, who came up with the idea, though she admits it was at first just a joke, the website reported.

“I never actually thought it would happen,” Angel told the Huffington Post. “But my mom loves throwing parties and loves our pets even more, so once she caught wind of the idea she started planning.”

The party included a traditional tres leches cake, decorations from the dollar store and a dozen party guests. Luna got tuna. The family found the perfect cat dress on Amazon.com. “One of my friends even surprised Luna with a bouquet of flowers,” Olavarria was quoted as saying.

Angel posted pictures on Reddit and the national media picked up on it, with a half dozen outlets doing stories in recent days.

The family is reportedly planning a 16th birthday party now.

You can follow Luna on Instagram and Facebook.

This story was originally published June 9, 2017 at 8:22 AM with the headline "Charlotte family’s beloved cat turns 15, so they throw her a quinceañera party."