Skabenga
Image: Supplied
For nearly two decades, a stray cat turned celebrity, Skabenga, ruled The Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga with charm and authority.
Guests and staff alike adored him, showering him with treats, attention, and gifts.
Now, the iconic feline, who made the five-star hotel his home, has passed away at the age of 19, leaving a void in the hearts of many.
Skabenga first arrived at The Oyster Box as a stray but quickly became a permanent fixture, winning the hearts of staff and guests alike.
“He was fed tasty, expensive titbits by diners and treated as a king by the staff. With life so good, who can blame him for never wanting to leave?” said hotel manager Ashwin Jose.
Despite his mischievous name, Skabenga enjoyed a life of luxury, earning a reputation as The Oyster Box’s most distinguished VIP.
“For more years than anyone can remember, Skabenga has ruled The Oyster Box. It seems ironic that a cat named ‘hooligan’ became the most honoured guest at one of the world’s leading hotels,” said Mr Jose.
The well-travelled feline knew the hotel better than any human, he added.
“He explored every nook and cranny, from the kitchen to The Presidential Suite. He was present for every famous guest’s visit and every special occasion celebrated here. He was adored by all, and many guests arrived bearing gifts, knowing they would have a chance to give him a rub or grab a selfie.”
News of Skabenga’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media.
Chantal Lee Dubowitz posted on the hotel’s Facebook page:
“Ah, no! Rest softly, beautiful boy, I am so glad I got to share my 40th Birthday with you at The Oyster Box! I also said hi to you a few weeks ago; little did I know it would be the last time.
“The Oyster Box will never be the same without you, but with your passing, perhaps another little one will get to step into your place and enjoy the same wonderful life you had. Thank you to the Oyster Box team for being so good to this gorgeous boy; he truly was a celebrity! My sympathies to all the staff and management on his passing,” said Dubowitz.
Bente Unger said his heart was broken with the news.
“My heart is broken by this news. Please make a statue of him in his honour and memory,” read his post.
Charlotte Mayes said they met Skabenga while on holiday from the UK.
“So sorry to hear this. We met Skabenga in 2013 whilst on holiday from the UK… animals take up a huge place in our hearts, sorry for your loss,” she said in her post.
Esther Currie shared her recent experience, saying: “I was at the hotel today and was wondering where my favourite kitty was. Always looked out for him to give him a little scratch — if ‘Sir’ allowed it!”
Skabenga’s memory will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of all who visited The Oyster Box, where a once-stray cat became an icon of comfort, luxury, and charm.
Skabenga
Image: Supplied