EARNING HIS STRIPES
High tea a purrrfect treat for hotel’s birthday boy
THE Oyster Box’s resident cat, Skabenga, lay stretched out in front of the exclusive hotel’s entrance, unmoved, while well-heeled folk walked to and from their luxury German sedans. Not even the attempts of two hotel staff to move him to the pool deck for his photoshoot raised a single hair on his pampered back.
This cat truly is the king of the castle. And, like any king, Skabenga will have his birthday celebrated in royal style next week to mark 11 years since the stray feline first sauntered through the front doors of his new home.
After a healthy spray of catnip on a lounge chair, Skabenga graced The Mercury with a minute of his time, posing next to cupcakes and balloons bearing his visage – a small taste of the high tea party planned for next week.
“Skabenga is part of the family here, and like any family member we celebrate his birthday,” said the hotel’s spokeswoman, Joanne Hayes.
The tubby feline is well known among regular guests, most of whom have helped to feed the large, furry belly with titbits from gourmet meals.
Hayes said they were expecting about 80 guests at Skabenga’s party, which would be geared towards kids and moms.
The cat may not take too much notice of his guests, though, as rubbing shoulders – or shins in his case – with the likes of Princess Charlene of Monaco, Ryk Neethling, Charlize Theron, and the entire Manchester United team has left him rather aloof.
Regardless, the cat of the hour will no doubt indulge in the cupcakes and treats made just for him by the hotel’s chefs and, if offered, will finish off his party with a few sips of champagne.
“Skabenga does nothing in moderation, though,” warned Hayes.