DURBAN’S most famous fat cat’s security has been beefed up to VIP status complete with a drone and bodyguard to ensure he did not give in to “wanderlust” ever again.

In a light-hearted post on Skabenga’s official Facebook page‚ the pampered tabby of the five-star Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks on Wednesday assured his loyal fans that security measures had been put in place to keep him “where I belong”.

“I am completely overwhelmed by everyone’s concern and messages. It really has been incredible and thank you from the bottom of my furry heart…Off for a much needed nap after a scrumptious breakfast. The attention has been exhausting.”

Skabenga‚ who has become a celebrity with guests and locals‚ went missing on Monday and an undisclosed reward was offered for his safe return.

Fans from all over the country took to social media to spread the word. Some said a “special prayer” for the tabby to be found safe while others were “utterly devastated”.

Many speculated that the cat‚ who is fond of getting into cars unnoticed‚ may have slipped away with a guest. 

He was found in Phoenix‚ more than 10km away from the hotel‚ and returned on Tuesday afternoon.

The hotel stated that a man found Skabenga in Phoenix and returned him. It did not reveal how the cat ended up in Phoenix or where exactly it was found.

The feline was taken to a vet upon his return and was given the all-clear.

His microchip was also checked and found to be in perfect working order.

Skabenga has “rubbed shoulders” on the red carpet with guests including Monaco’s Princess Charlene and her husband Albert and has nuzzled against the likes of Khloé Kardashian.

For the past five years‚ he has been treated to fancy parties — a highlight on the hotel’s social calendar.

Skabenga moved into the hotel 10 years ago.

He wandered onto the property as a stray‚ was fed expensive seafood by guests and has never left.

Sporting a bling collar‚ he now spends his time wandering around the hotel foyer and corridors.