Skabenga adopted The Oyster Box Hotel many years ago, turning his life into a rag-to-riches story filled with opulence and love; he passed away yesterday at the age of 19. South Africans are sharing their happiest memories of the feline.
Umhlanga, South Africa (13 March 2025) – South Africa mourns the loss of Skabenga, the resident cat at The Oyster Box, who spent his best years living a life of luxury. The beloved stray wandered into the red and white hotel many years ago, and instead of being chased off, he was welcomed with open arms. It is unclear how many of his nine lives he used before making the hotel his home, but what is clear is that he settled into opulence with an ease as if he had been born for it.
Skabenga quickly became a beloved character, found lazing in the foyer most often; he allowed guests to pet him. He even had his own social media so that guests could keep up with his shenanigans long after they had checked out.
The hotel team shared that Skabenga started each day weaving his way through the staff’s legs, urging them to feed him his breakfast, usually a dish of prawn cocktail. After his morning nap, lunch would be a fishy delight, with the favourite being the chef’s kingklip. He then lazed about the front door, waiting for hotel guests to start checking in.
During the high tea, Skabenga got his saucer of milk and then would be lured into the office to earn his keep, with the promise of catnip. After this, he would have his longest nap in preparation for his nightly adventures in keeping the hotel free of any unwanted guests.
Each day, Skabenga touched the lives of the hotel guests. Not only did he lap up the endless attention, but he used his fame to help his fellow felines, sending donations of food to cats less fortunate than himself.
Many local and international visitors have shared their condolences for the loss of the larger-than-life cat. The Oyster Box team shared a heartfelt dedication to Skabenga, saying:
“For years, he ruled our halls with a confident strut, claimed the sunniest spots as his throne, and charmed guests from near and far with his unmistakable presence. True to his name – ‘Skabenga, meaning ‘vagabond’ or ‘hooligan’ in Zulu – he lived life on his own terms, sneaking treats from unsuspecting guests, lounging where he pleased, and asserting his undeniable status as the real boss of The Oyster Box.
It is with heavy hearts that we share his peaceful passing. His legacy lives on in the laughter of guests who watched him nap at reception, the little hands that reached out for a friendly pat, and the thousands of photos taken of him lounging like the king he was.
Skabenga belonged to all of us, and today, we invite you to share your favourite memories, photos, and stories of him. Tag us and use #SkabengaTheCat so we can celebrate his incredible life together.”
The hashtag has already been flooded with images and love for the king. Artists have started capturing his likeness, honouring his grand and indulgent physique, something he worked diligently at maintaining, while previous guests share memories of meeting him and photos captured. If you have a memory to share, use the hashtag #SkabengaTheCat to share your snaps.
The Oyster Box won’t be quite the same without the dulcet purrs and meows of Skabenga. But with Skabenga gone, will a new king rise to fill his shoes? Only time will tell.
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