It’s the 28th of August today… it’s my birthday! I am 17 so my Mum is letting me sneak in an extra post to celebrate!
At 17, I am supposed to be a super senior cat, 84 in human years, so don’t expect me to run around like a kitten, although I still like a trot on the beach in exotic places and I really enjoy a wonder through the grasses. I like the tickles and the smells!


Life has been pretty good for me this year… since my humans realised I had bad teeth and the vet in Cairns removed the rotten ones last year, I have been much better.
We have had lots of good adventures. This is me checking the charts while we were at the Swain Reefs.

I enjoyed that trip: heaps of nice trout and tuna to munch on… so much tastier than the boring renal food I have to eat because my kidneys are a bit dodgy. Yes, yes I know I should not, but you have to have some treats in your dotage!

I get a bit of a thrill when my humans take me for a dinghy ride… speed, wind in my whiskers… I stand at the front ready for action!

I might be old but I still like to play, especially hide and seek in bags, and I really like it when my Dad swings the bag up and down! I let him know with happy little meows.


I like my sleeps too, either out in the cockpit when it’s hot or on the goat when it’s cold!


So here is to another year of being the mighty ship’s cat on Anui!




Enjoy your day Bengie. 17 is amazing, keep well “old girl”.
From one old girl to another, you take care of yourself too! We miss you on Anui.
Happy Birthday Bengie. What an achievement, boating keeps you looking young!
Thank you Dianne, it’s a good life!
Miaow Bengie! MIAOW . . . can you hear me ? What a terrific surprise . . . and happy, happy, happy (three more lines > of that!) birthday! Thank you so much for taking time from all your on-board activities to write to us! I love all the photos but especially the last one! No need to talk of ‘age’ . . . let’s just plan a very happy and active new year for both of us! Miaow, miaow, miaoooow !!!
Meow back to you Eha. Really nice to get your message. I’m hoping we catch a fishy today so I’ll send you a photo if we do!
Bengie – I just sent your photos to France to Mr Molly . . . who lives close to the Bay of Biscay north of Bordeaux! He is SO like you 🙂 !!!
Ooh la la, a French cousin!
Well . . . more of a ‘Franglais’ one 🙂 . . . Perhaps he’ll send a ‘Happy Birthday’ also . . .
Happy Birthday, Bengie! Enjoy your special day! ❤️🥰😊
Thanks John… tail cuddle for you! Meow 😻
Aww thanks, Bengie! ❤️
Happy birthday Bengie. Couldn’t get our menagerie to stand still for a greeting photo!
The Patons – Craig, Fleur, Zendai, Kora and Cloudy
Ooh, thanks for saying hello on my special day! Lots of head butts for the team!
What a special cat. Happy birthday to the cat on the cat.
Thank you Mary!
Happiest of days Bengie, congratulations on still enjoying all your adventures 🙂
I am looking forward to getting a fury cruising friend to share my journeys with and hope they have as much fun as you do!
Thank you Colin! It is a good life and I’m still going strong!
Happy Birthday, Bengie…..boating has kept the spring in your step!
Thank you. It has, Sue and I get lots of cuddles too!
Better still!
Happy birthday Bengie Lucky Bishop-Danger!!!
Hope you get lots of treats!!
No fishy caught yesterday, Waz, but the humans took care of me!
Bengie you are a legend happy birthday
Thanks Henry! 😻 ⛵️
That brought a smile to our faces! It has to be said Bengie writes very well for a cat …. does she dictate or scratch the letters in her sand box? Great pic with Bengie looking expectantly over Wade’s shoulder while he’s getting ‘her dinner’ ready!
She is a spunk and yes she was waiting for her share of the tuna, and not quietly I might add!
Belated Happy 17th Birthday pats & purrs Bengie, Lindy Phil & Ella Bleu
Thank you team!
A very belated Happy Birthday Bengie! We were out of reception range when you posted. We love you and look forward to catching up. Trish and Andrew
Aww, big tail cuddle for you!
Belated happy birthday to Bengie!!!
Thank you Mick!