MOSSEL BAY NEWS - She loves long walks on the beach, sitting by the campfire at night, and of course, a cuddle while you're in your sleeping bag on cold nights.
This might sound like your ideal nature-loving woman but no, it's Vlooi, the cat who loves to camp.
The 18-month-old calico cat was introduced to the great outdoors by her owner, Gert Burger.
Burger grew up in Mossel Bay, moved to Worcester just after Covid-19 and adopted Vlooi from a friend when she was a kitten.
"She was full of fleas and the drive from Cape Town back to Worcester was a nightmare. That is how she got her name," he said.
"I wanted to take Vlooi outdoors in Worcester, but it wasn't really safe because of all the baboons, so when I moved back to Mossel Bay in March this year, I was quite excited because I knew I would be able to take her out.
"I like to go on trips often and I did not want to leave her at home by herself. We go for a walk on the beach on Saturday mornings and she loves it. She lies on the sand and rolls around and she likes to explore the bushes on the beach," said Burger.
Vlooi and Gert Burger. Photo: Gert Burger
"I have a harness and a leash for her when we go out but she mostly likes to lie over my shoulders while I walk around."
Burger said he and Vlooi recently took a canoe out on Little Brak River to a small island, where they camped for the night, which Vlooi enjoyed.
She has been near the water before. She was a little unsure when we first got into the canoe but then she got used to it.
He said when they went on the camping trip, she sat with him by the fire and then curled up in the sleeping bag to sleep for the night.
Vlooi enjoying a canoe trip on Little Brak River. Photo: Gert Burger
"I take the leash attached to the harness and then secure it to the tent so she has some freedom to walk around the area and explore a bit.
"She is very inquisitive, loves people and always wants to play. My dad jokes that Vlooi doesn't know if she is a dog or a cat," he said with a laugh.
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