1960s New York City Subway Used an Etti-Cat to Promote Subway Etiquette

Subway Etiquette is so important in NYC that it should be taught in schools. Nobody wants to see your toenail clippings, your man-spreading, or your stinky take-out food.

We have had our fair share of subway etiquette campaigns over the years, but the cutest by far is the 'Etti-Cat' used in the 1960s.

In the 1960s, New York City commuters were prodded into respectful behavior by subway posters featuring a black-and-white tuxedo cat. “Etti-Cat,” the punnily named feline mascot for manners, warned against littering, encouraged offering seats to the elderly, and expressed loquacious shame at defacing the trains:

Check out the Transit Etiquette Or: How I Learned To Stop Spitting And Step Aside In 25 Languages exhibit at the Grand Central Gallery Annex for more like this.

Matt Coneybeare

Matt Coneybeare

Editor in Chief

Matt enjoys exploring the City's with his partner and son. He is an avid marathon runner, and spends most of his time eating, running, and working on cool stuff.

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