Top fat cat slims down for birthday bash

Durban's most famous fat cat has been put on diet.

Skabenga, the pampered tabby who calls the five-star Oyster Box Hotel, in Umhlanga Rocks his home, is used to a luxurious life, lounging by the pool, feasting on gourmet food and wearing designer feline apparel.

But, with his lavish birthday bash coming up, he is now being forced to shed a few kilos.

The party at the Oyster Box on Tuesday will be a luxurious affair, fit for a king.

But with 70 guests expected, the management of the hotel want to ensure that their prized pet is at his slinky best.

Skabenga, who has become a celebrity with guests, was recently diagnosed as being overweight and is now dining under the eagle eye of a nutritionist.

"He has three kilograms to lose. He is now on a modest, controlled diet and is being encouraged to drink lots of water," said hotel manager Wayne Coetzer.

Skabenga has "rubbed shoulders" on the red carpet with guests including Monaco's Princess Charlene and her husband Albert and has nuzzled against the likes of Khloé Kardashian.

For the past five years he has been treated to fancy parties - a highlight on the hotel's social calendar.

Guests, paying up to R200, will join the cat for the festivities and birthday fare in the hotel's Pearl Room.

Treats on the menu include birthday cake, jellytot macaroons, cupcakes and cat-shaped and -themed treats. Skabenga - which means hooligan or vagabond in Zulu - will be ditching his diet for the big event.

"On Tuesday he will be allowed to cheat and eat some of the sweet treats and whatever his heart desires," said Coetzer.

Skabenga moved into the hotel 10 years ago.

He wandered onto the property as a stray, was fed expensive seafood by guests and has never left.

Sporting a bling collar, he now spends his time wandering around the hotel foyer and corridors. Being the "main cat" on the block, Skabenga enjoys such spoils as prawns and crayfish, given to him by guests.

He has won the hearts of many guests who often leave money in his name towards the Feral Cat Rescue Trust or Animal Anti-Cruelty League.

The biggest donation was R10000, which the hotel handed to the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife. Skabenga's Facebook page, with 1520 "friends", receives dozens of messages inquiring how he is as well as letters from past guests who thank him for serving as their pet away from home.

On check-in, included in the children's welcome pack is a beautifully illustrated story book titled Skabenga The Resident Cat, written by Coetzer. For the adults there is Skabenga's Brew, a box featuring a picture of the cat on the front and containing tea bags.