Meet Umdloti’s 25-year-old feline queen

The gorgeous grey and cream old lady strolls in elegantly despite her somewhat stiff joints, looks up with striking blue eyes and calls for breakfast to be served.

At the impressive age of about 117 cat years or 25 human years Umdloti’s geriatric cat Swing is a living legend that stills keeps her loyal servant and loving mom, Marie Hucklesby, on her toes.

“I think she might have Alzheimers because she calls me for breakfast all morning. She must forget that she has eaten,” chuckled Hucklesby, who has a history of old pets.

Her beloved Labby recently made 17 years.

“Whenever people ask about Swing, I just say ‘she is still alive’. The vet always says he hopes I am prepared to make old age because my pets live so long.”

Also read: Thousands raised at The Baby Home glittering charity ball

Swing was found in a factory in Richard’s Bay and the then feral kitten was adopted by Hucklesby in 1993.

Since then she has had quite the adventurous life. She has moved seven times, has had three sets of kittens and went missing for a month before returning home as if nothing happened.

“She is a feisty one. She used to climb curtains and bite your toe if you kicked her by accident while you were sleeping. We used to run a bed and breakfast where she would hide under the breakfast table and swipe people as they came past. Luckily, she has calmed down a bit and doesn’t have as many teeth left to bite with. Her hearing and eyesight are still good though.”

Swing’s days are simple and stressfree consisting of morning naps in the sun on her chair on the balcony overlooking the sea followed by afternoon snoozes on the armchair in the lounge.

While she is not one for cuddles, she loves a good head scratch and becomes quite the schmooze if you hit the right spot.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram