HOH is sad to report that Rep. Loretta Sanchez’s beloved cat, Gretzky, has passed away at age 19.

Gretzky was best known for posing alongside the California Democrat on her annual holiday cards.

One card showed the pair riding a motorcycle beside the words, “Cruisin’ into the New Year,” and another showed Sanchez snuggling in bed with the wide white cat while a Santa Claus hat rested on his furry head.

Gretzky, who was born in September 1990 and was named after hockey great Wayne Gretzky, died of natural causes shortly before his 20th birthday, Sanchez says.

“He was comfortable as he passed away, surrounded by family and friends,” she says.

In addition to the famed cards, Gretzky’s picture was also used on various T-shirts made by staffers and Hill softball teams. Sanchez says his visage also graced a bunch of “little girl purses sold at various stores in 2005.”

No word on whether Sanchez plans to get another cat.