Retirement Party for Ship's Cat

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Haifax, Nova Scotia, is throwing a retirement party for a cat. But this isn’t just any cat. Rodent Control Officer Erik the Red has been serving faithfully aboard the CSS Acadia since 1998.

"He came aboard as a stowaway," said Steven Read, shipkeeper for CSS Acadia.

The 102-year-old ship is permanently moored outside the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax. While it doesn't leave the shore, it has the same problem with rodent visitors as many ships.

Erik's passion for the hunt was perfectly timed. His arrival was around the same time a building was being torn down near the ship. Read says there was a surge in the number of field mice and rats that jumped on board, but they quickly learned their mistake.

Erik is very popular with the crew of the Acadia and the museum staff as well as visitors. But at age 18, he has trouble with winters aboard ship. In retirement, he will live further inland at Read’s home. If you can attend the party, all the particulars are posted at Facebook. -via Arbroath

(Image credit: Maritime Museum of the Atlantic)