Meet Tomba, the famous mountaineering cat, conqueror of peaks, and even lifesaver.

Tomba’s story began in 1988 at a high-altitude hotel in Switzerland. Even as a kitten (the offspring of a cat named Thomassa), Tomba showed an extraordinary affinity for the mountains: he wandered farther and farther from the hotel, appearing on passes and trails. At ten months old, he first climbed the 3,453-meter-high Rinderhorn with climbers, after which he became a constant companion on mountain expeditions.

An Unexplained Instinctive Guide
Tomba greeted tourists with interest, carefully examined their backpacks, and often accompanied groups on hikes, returning only after the route was completed. Many assumed he was attracted by treats, but he received plenty of food at the hotel—he was simply a true mountain enthusiast.

Journalist Hedi Sigg, who climbed Rinderhorn with Tomba, recalled how the cat moved confidently across the ice, refused assistance, and preferred to navigate difficult sections on his own.

One day, while hiking with a young couple, Tomba suddenly veered off the trail. The couple followed him and thus escaped death: an avalanche soon occurred in that very area. The cat, through its mysterious instinct, had saved their lives.

Legacy and the Mysterious End

The story of this unusual cat was documented in a book by Peter Stoller, the hotel owner, and quickly spread worldwide.

In 1993, Tomba died of immunodeficiency. Many people believed he was the reincarnation of an experienced mountain guide who had returned to earth in feline form to once again trek his beloved peaks. His legend continues to inspire those who value loyalty and the mysterious connection between nature and instinct.