Michael Jetson, the beloved cat owner familiar to a lot of locals in Manly Beach, has passed away following his bout with diabetes. Now, his friend is finding a forever home for Smudge and Bluey, the cats he left behind.
Peter Cantwell shared on the Manly Community on Facebook that he hopes to “find the best home possible” for the cats. Michael was a devoted cat person and would take his furry pets on walks along The Corso.
“Bluey will sleep on your shoulder; she’s a beautiful cat,” Peter said. “Smudge is a little timid at the moment.”
I have a few people interested but I want the best home possible,” he said, adding he can’t give up on the cats as they were important to his friend.
Michael, who was on a disability pension supported himself as a milkman and worked in supermarkets and restaurants. He was also a volunteer at various food relief organizations.
But most of the locals will remember him as the Cat Man in The Corso. In 2018, the Northern Beaches community rallied for Michael and his beloved black and white cat, Dotti, who was diagnosed with cancer at 12 years old and needed surgery for her mammary glands.
Dotti had been Michael’s pet since she was a tiny seven-month kitten and was also as familiar among locals as his owner. If people saw Michael walking in the streets without Dotti, they would often ask him about her.
After raising $7,031, Dotti had her surgery at a clinic in Balgowlah. According to Peter, the cat passed away in 2021.
Meanwhile, Northern Beaches Deputy Mayor Candy Bingham was also one of the first to publicly announce that Michael has died.
“Michael (and Dotti) were always in the Corso chatting to people and bringing joy to many,” the deputy mayor said. “He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family and many friends.
