IT was uMhlanga’s famed feline, Skabenga’s 15th birthday party on Thursday. However, the guest of honour was not present at his special annual celebrations.
Sadly, the resident tomcat of the Oyster Box Hotel was rushed to the vet on the eve of the festivities after staff became concerned for his health.
According to the hotel spokesperson, Joanne Hayes, Skabenga had recently been hit by a car and spent two days at the vet recuperating. He was sent home on Monday.
On Wednesday afternoon staff took the hotel mascot back to the vet when his condition began deteriorating.
She said staff originally found a bruised and battered Skabenga on Friday last week.
“They noticed a gash on his eye, his neck was swollen and his collar was also missing. He was not himself as he wasn’t eating,” she said.
“X-rays proved that Skabenga has a cracked sternum and a severely bruised hind leg. His vet confirmed that all the signs point to him being hit by a car,” she said.
The feline has now been placed on ‘permanent bed rest’ at the veterinary clinic, and will be ‘out of commission’ for the next six days.
“For the first time in four years Skabenga has not been present at his own birthday celebrations, but the atmosphere at the event was still amazing. People’s love and support for Skabenga was incredibly sweet. He is now on the road to recovery,” she said.
Over 120 people attended the birthday party. One of the feline’s youngest fans, Rekia Rampersad wished him well, saying, “We love you Skabenga. Get well soon.”
View our full gallery of the event here
Last year Skabenga also caused quite a stir when he mysteriously disappeared for two days. Community members, staff from surrounding hotels and petrol attendants at the neighboring petrol station also assisted in the search.
Fortunately, the adventurous cat was safely returned after he was found in Phoenix.
“It remains a mystery as to how he got there,” said Hayes at the time.
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