Hearing Cat for a totally deaf Sailor
Maine Coon Hearing Cat needed for a totally deaf Sailor and Sailmaker.
This page is being set up on behalf of Paul, he is a sailor and sailmaker and is totally deaf, he hears absolutely nothing.
For the last 11 years Paul had Skattie, a polydactyl Maine Coon as his ears, Skattie was Paul’s boss, his Captain, his best mate, his everything. Sadly, due to an accident, Skattie died earlier this month.
In Paul’s own words; “ I do miss him not just from an emotional point of view, there is now no one to tell me when the phone rings or a visitor arrives or there is a funny noise that needs to be checked out. I learned that if something attracted Skattie's attention, it was worth my while to check it out. Often it was just something that mattered to cats but almost equally often it was something that mattered to me. When sailing he was better than any radar and could hear ships far away and he would come and tell me. He heard the noise from other ships propellers often before the approaching ship could even be seen.“
Paul needs a new hearing cat but, due to a number of unfortunate circumstances, doesn’t have the funds to purchase another Maine Coon, as this is the most suitable cat, both for size and affinity with water.
So as friends of Paul and Skattie, we are asking people to help us raise the funds to get Paul a new Maine Coon, and help with training expenses etc.
Susan Busch Geertsema's involvement (page creator)
Friend of Paul and Skattie, also a Maine Coon owner and part of a group of friends who want to help.
Use of funds
The money will purchase a new Maine Coon kitten and assist with paying for training, vaccinations etc. if there are sufficient funds.
Latest update
TVNZ 1 article 20 September 2026
Thank you to everyone involved in the writing of this article to share Paul’s story and the page, it is most appreciated.
https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/09/20/race-to-replace-deaf-sailors-ears-after-loss-of-beloved-cat/?
Latest donations
On behalf of Paul, thank you.
Dear Barbara, Thank you most sincerely for your contribution to the Kitten Fund, I am most grateful. I am sure that James will live up to Skattie's standards as RebelPawZ have selected James as the most suitable kitten from the two current litters. Marie selected Skatty for me, so I have faith in her choices. I am doing my best to make the boat as safe as possible for James. It was already pretty safe but a kitten needs many extra precautions that an adult Maine Coon would not need, as kittens are quite a bit smaller. Thank you once again for your support, Paul Thompson
On behalf of Paul, thank you
Dear Lottie, Thank you most sincerely for your contribution to the Kitten Fund, I am most grateful. RebelPawZ have selected James as the most suitable kitten from the two current litters. As Marie selected Skatty for me, I have faith in her choices. I am doing my best to make the boat as safe as possible for James. It was already pretty safe but a kitten needs many extra precautions that an adult Maine Coon would not need, as kittens are quite a bit smaller. Thank you once again for your support, Paul Thompson
On behalf of Paul, thank you.
Dear Karyn, Thank you most sincerely for your contribution to the Kitten Fund, every little bit helps and I am most grateful. RebelPawZ have selected James as the most suitable kitten from the two current litters. As Marie selected Skatty for me, I have faith in her choices. I am doing my best to make the boat as safe as possible for James. It was already pretty safe but a kitten needs many extra precautions that an adult Maine Coon would not need, as kittens are quite a bit smaller. Thank you once again for your support, Paul Thompson
On behalf of Paul, thank you.
Dear Cameron, Thank you most sincerely for your contribution to the Kitten Fund, I am most grateful. RebelPawZ have selected James as the most suitable kitten from the two current litters. As Marie selected Skatty for me, I have faith in her choices. I am doing my best to make the boat as safe as possible for James. It was already pretty safe but a kitten needs many extra precautions that an adult Maine Coon would not need, as kittens are quite a bit smaller. Thank you once again for your support, Paul Thompson
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