Sibble, a senior Bengal cat, has become an iconic figure in the village of Dunkeld, Scotland, after spending 22 years roaming freely, primarily around the local cathedral. For most of her life, Sibble thrived in the outdoors, catching wild rabbits and soaking up the sun. Though she always returned home eventually, her wandering ways led to her being mistaken for a stray on more than one occasion. In fact, one kind-hearted person once took her in and posted her on a Missing Pets Facebook group, prompting her owners to come and reclaim her.
Over the years, Sibble has gained fame for her wild habits. Tourists visiting Dunkeld often look forward to spotting the friendly cat, and she’s become a beloved fixture in the village. Known for her sweet nature, Sibble will happily roll over for a belly rub from any tourist who crosses her path. Despite her friendly demeanor, there was a time when she was feared as one of the fiercest cats in the village, defending her home from intruders and chasing off other cats. She even sports a small notch in her ear from these encounters.
Sibble has never been afraid of anything, not even dogs. Local dog walkers used to recognize her well, as she would often hide beside the path and jump out at the dogs, surprising them. She also accompanied her owners on walks with their dog, Maisie, often strolling the entire way alongside them.
Sibble’s journey began when she was adopted at the age of six, though her name was initially spelled “Sibble” after her owner couldn’t figure out how to spell “Sybil.” On the same day, her brother Bob was also brought home after another family could not take him in. Sibble and Bob’s mother was a Bengal cat, and the pair were adopted from friends of friends who had an unplanned litter. Growing up, Sibble was a regular subject in her owner’s childhood drawings and, as an adult, has continued to inspire her career in animation. She even has a tattoo of Sibble as a tribute to the special cat.
Now nearing 23 years old, Sibble mostly stays indoors. Her owner, now 28, no longer lives at home but frequently visits, spending quality time with the beloved cat. Many believe Sibble may be Perthshire’s oldest cat, and her remarkable longevity is attributed to her independent nature, which has kept her mind sharp. Despite dealing with arthritis, hyperthyroidism, and early-stage kidney disease, Sibble continues to enjoy life. She still jumps onto tables and indulges in her favorite Lick-e-lix treats. Her vet is consistently amazed at how youthful she appears and how well she is doing.
Sibble’s owners consider themselves fortunate to have had her in their lives for so many years. She has become a village celebrity and continues to bring joy to all who know her. Everyone loves Sibble, and her legacy as a local icon is well-earned.
Related Topics
