Percy’s purrr-fect life in Margate
David and Benita Smythe, owners of Margate Wimpy, say Percy was born in the roof of their restaurant.
Margate has a special cat named Percy who is having a birthday party – and it’s for a good cause.
This is being organised by Madelein Stopforth, the woman behind the ‘Margate is Magic’ campaign, and she is inviting everyone to celebrate with Percy outside the Margate Wimpy this Saturday, November 11 from 10am to midday.
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“As we don’t know exactly when Percy was born, we have decided to throw him a party on the 11th. Anyone can join in the fun – we are catering for 30 children. The only requirement is to take along a supply of cat food for the ferals, and a cash donation to help with their upkeep,” she said.
The handsome white cat with the startling turquoise blue eyes spends most of his days lazing about outside the Margate Wimpy on the beachfront, seemingly oblivious to his ‘cool cat’ status.
David and Benita Smythe, owners of Margate Wimpy, say Percy was born in the roof of their restaurant.
“Percy is a survivor. He looks after himself, and only wants love and attention,” said Benita. Holidaymakers and locals alike absolutely adore the fabulous feline, and shower him with affection. “He has become a great talking point with our customers,” added Benita.
Kershnie Govender took to Facebook on Monday this week, posting a couple of sweet photographs of Percy with the caption: ‘Meet Margate beachfront’s favourite, Percy, – isn’t he adorable, so friendly and just minding his own business.’
David described Percy as a ‘cool oke’ who cruises around. “He is a very sociable cat, who loves to sit next to people and be stroked and fussed over,” he said.
David added that he liked to think Percy was out hunting rats and mice at night as there are no vermin in sight.
Percy is a clever cat, pointed out Benita. To avoid getting shooed out of the restaurant (as animals are not allowed inside for health reasons) Percy strategically places himself on a chair next to a customer.
“Every time a mystery shopper visits our restaurant, Percy manages to get his photo taken, which is kept for the record,” added Benita, smiling.
Coleen Walther, who works at Larry’s Family Restaurant, has fed and cared for Percy for about a decade, and recalled how Percy was a cute feral kitten who would come to her car to welcome her.
Interestingly, Percy in fact has three names. Coleen explained that everyone at Larry’s calls him Muggy, while he is known as Snowy at The Cock & Tail Cafe, and at Wimpy he is known as Percy, named after former Springbok rugby player, Percy Montgomery.
“If Percy is sick or injured, or if needs his shots or to be de-wormed I take him to the veterinary clinic at the Lower South Coast SPCA. Also, over New Year and during Bike Week when it is noisy and busy, I board him at the SPCA to make sure he’s safe. He loves it there.”
She added the community had been kind enough to pay for Percy to be sterilised and micro-chipped.
“Percy doesn’t belong to anyone, he belongs to himself, and chooses who he wants to talk to. He loves people and enjoys being patted,” added Coleen.
This independent cat is unafraid of dogs, crowds, and children who want to pull his ears or tail. “Nothing fazes him. If he doesn’t like the noise or the situation, he just finds a new spot to chill,” said David.
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About three years ago, a Wimpy customer wanting to adopt Percy took him to her home in Ramsgate but a week later, he made his way back to the beachfront. “He was so happy to be home,” said Coleen.
Kind-hearted Coleen also feeds the feral cats in and around Margate and those at St Mike’s beachfront.
For more information contact Madelein at 072 283 9968.
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