UMHLANGA’S celebrity feline, Skabenga, caused quite a stir last week when he mysteriously disappeared. Between his personal Facebook page and that of his home – the Oyster Box Hotel – they gained more than 400 followers over the course of his nearly two-day search.
The beloved tomcat raised alarms on Monday morning last week when he did not show up for his regular breakfast. “We last caught sight of him on the camera surveillance system yesterday (Sunday) afternoon at around 6.20pm. It was so out of character for him, as he is normally seen lounging around the hotel area,” said the hotel spokeswoman, Joanne Hayes.
After a fruitless search of the entire property, including all of his regular ‘hiding spots’, his concerned family turned to social media for assistance. “Many of you know and love our beloved Royal Feline Resident, Skabenga. We are all terribly worried as he hasn’t been seen on the hotel property since late yesterday afternoon. This is so unlike him – he seldom misses a meal! Please keep a look out for him – we are missing him terribly and most concerned,” read one of the first appeals.
Soon dozens of messages of concern streamed in on the social media platform.
Marilyn Ramlal Mathura wrote: “Praying for Skabenga’s safe return… God be with him wherever he may be.”
Janine Jee wrote: “So sad to hear our little prince is missing. Come home soon.”
Deirdre Pineo wrote: “4.36am. I am checking to see if you have been found and there is still no news. Profoundly sad.”
Then on Tuesday, news broke that Skabenga had been found in Phoenix – approximately 10km from his home. “It remains a mystery as to how he got there. We believe that the man who brought him home found him in Phoenix and took him home, not knowing who he was. He then called the number of Skabenga’s vet, which can be found on his collar, and then learned of his true identity. We are just so happy to have him home. He walked in as if nothing had changed,” said Hayes.
The Facebook post, which announced Skabenga’s return, garnered hundreds of relieved and happy comments from the cat-loving community and was shared 119 times.
When Northglen News popped by the hotel to check up on the famed cat, we found him once again lapping up the life of luxury. Dozens of other visitors had also stopped by the hotel to catch a glimpse of him, confirmed Hayes. “Everybody has had the desire to see him safe and sound. Community members, other hotels and even our neighbours at the garage helped us search. It is amazing how much people love our Skabenga. The hotel just would not be complete without him,” she added.
Related articles:
Skabenga celebrates ‘Purr’fect birthday
