Kitty’s return catapults fans into paroxysms of glee
THE return of Skabenga to his posh home – the Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga – increased the hotel’s reception foot traffic as fans of Durban’s celebrity cat poured in to see for themselves he had really returned from his “tour” of Phoenix.
“There he is,” enthused visitors to the hotel yesterday as he was spotted lounging in his favourite chair after his trip to Phoenix.
There was an overwhelming response from the public after news of his disappearance broke.
“We are still being inundated by calls, mails and messages concerning Skabenga,” a post on Skabenga’s Facebook page read.
Skabenga’s spokeswoman, Joanne Hayes, said the celebrity cat was no longer just special to the hotel, but that there were people from outside the city who kept asking if he had been found.
“We think he was found close to the hotel and picked up.
“We don’t think the people who found him knew who he was. It is possible the person stays in Phoenix,” she said.
Hayes said the cat had a disc around his neck with his name and vet’s details.
“The man who found him must have seen the disc or heard about it from the media and then phoned the vet. He is back and is in good health.”
Although a lot of fans suggested the hotel increase security for the podgy puss, Hayes said he did not need more security.
“We don’t think something like this will happen again; it was just out of character.”
The man who found him has been given a night’s accommodation at the hotel as a reward, for returning the footloose feline after he went absent without leave.
Hayes said this year’s birthday party for Skabenga, to be held in October, would be more special than ever.
“There has been such an outpouring of love and support for him … Some people have even made special trips to see him,” she said.