A daring feline adventurer from Milwaukee fearlessly lives life on his own terms, defying conventions after embarking on an extraordinary journey spanning thousands of miles in search of a place to call home.
A handsome “social butterfly,” Muscat Mike, the adventure cat, is living his best life in Milwaukee. Everything is new for this young, chirping tabby, often seen walking with his humans in the park on a harness. But few who saw him would suspect where he came from – Oman, a country on the Arabian Sea.
Mike at the Sip & Purr Cat Cafe in Milwaukee via Facebook
Mike is from Muscat, the capital of Oman, an often sweltering hot and dry place. Despite the word “cat” right in the name, life for outdoor cats and dogs is sadly often brutal and short there. But this charismatic cat avoided such a fate, becoming an outgoing international traveler. Eventually, he made his way over 7,400 miles across the Atlantic thanks to an ameowzing rescuer, Lesley Lewins, from the UK, founder of Street Cats of Oman.
Mike at the Sip & Purr Cat Cafe in Milwaukee via Facebook
Muscat Mike is a Bit of a Thrillseeker
In June, Mike went to his second furever home after traveling to the remarkable Sip & Purr Cat Café in Milwaukee. Visitors to this unique café can adopt cats from faraway places like Egypt, Honduras, Oman, or from the local area.
You’ll notice this was his second adopted home because he escaped the first one and boarded a delivery truck! But the thrillseeking escape artist returned to the café and found his secure and purrmanent home.
“A very rare Mike and his mom picture.”
“It’s been a week since Mike joined the family, and he has found so many snuggle spots. As active as he is, he’s a cuddle bug too,” shared Muscat Mike’s Instagram.
Adventure Cats Live By Their Own Rules
It is remarkable how quickly Mike adjusted to his new home. But just in case, they immediately placed a tracker on him in case he got the urge for another spontaneous adventure!
“Adventure cats live by their own rules,” his new humans observed.
Being so outgoing, he is an ideal adventure cat, loving short trips outdoors in a stroller or his harness. He loves birdwatching and meeting new friends, especially when they have treats! One thing he doesn’t particularly like is rain, not having experienced much of it before. But otherwise, count him in!
The climate is vastly different in Wisconsin, but he loves exploring all the foliage and watching the animals.
“Mike has no idea what fall is but it sure compliments him!”
“The mulberry tree brings a lot of birds and other animals to the yard. Mike approves.”
Muscat Mike is Always at Home
Wherever he goes, Mike is generally relaxed and makes himself at home. For example, he loves visiting his uncle and grandparents, chatting away with them.
He also loves his outdoor catio, where even the neighbor brings him treats sometimes.
Although Muscat Mike is up for anything, he prefers it warm, thank you. Despite having multiple heated cat beds, he recently tried an unconventional way to get cozy!
“New Mike issue unlocked today.”
You can follow Muscat Mike on Instagram as well as Street Cats of Oman here.
Over Three Decades of Helping Cats in Oman
For over 31 years, Lesley Lewins has been helping many thousands of cats in Oman despite extreme barriers and costs. For example, neutering is forbidden, and fundraising is illegal except for registered charities. Working with international rescuers, TNR (trap, neuter, return) groups, and veterinarians, she’s kept at it and found homes for many cats with “fabulous characters” like Mike across the globe and in the US all the way to Milwaukee and California!
Unfortunately, Oman and Kuwait are home to some of the largest feral cat colonies anywhere in the world. And ironically, it started when expats from Europe left pets behind, where they have bred exponentially since.
“I was told expats dumped their pets behind a long time ago, and now they are all on the streets because they won’t pay the costs to take them home,” Lewins told the Chronicle Live. “We don’t have the Arabian Mau cat or Saluki dogs; we have European cats and feral dogs.”
