Monty wins hearts at home and in the office

Monty came to the Kelly family at four months old and quickly showed everyone who’s boss.

“We were worried how a tiny cat would be in our household with three Kelpies, but he has no fear and is the one doing the tormenting! The dogs can't catch a break sometimes!” laughs Kate Kelly.

With his fearless attitude, Monty soon made the restaurant his second home, quickly earning the title of Chief Napper.

“Monty was always going to be the office cat. It's a good distraction for us and our staff and he loves getting out of the house,” says Kate.

“We have his second home set up there with beds, toys etc. I spend a lot of time at the office, so he likes sleeping in the window and walking over my keyboard! It's better for him than being home on his own and it gives the dogs a break and him a break. The office is also a storage space for extra furniture and our PA equipment for our production company, so there's plenty of things for him to play with and explore.”

Plus, everyone loves Monty!

“People often drop past to see him during the day as they know where he is. Monty also keeps the staff entertained during the quiet periods and on their breaks,” she says.

All of Kate’s pets play an important part in their life at home and business.

“All of our pets are rescues and we've had all of them since pups, so we've been able to raise them as a part of our family and they go everywhere with us: camping, boating, traveling. We are outnumbered by pets in our house!” she laughs.

“Our three dogs (Milo, Loki and Sophie) have also always taken turns to join us at work, so customers always expect a pet to be roaming around!”

Although Monty cannot be in the main venue - as there's no way to contain him - he does get to explore the place when the work is done, and staff is winding down from a busy night.

“The staff love seeing Monty and his antics. Perhaps down the track we may set up a catio for him during the cooler months so he can hang with the dogs in the alfresco,” she adds.

“The three dogs work at the gate with security at night, and everyone loves patting them on their way in; they get loads of love. It does sometimes take more time to get people out of the venue when we close as everyone wants to make sure they pat the dogs before they leave! Some people even get down on their bed with them and give them hugs! It keeps the crowd more subdued, and everyone just loves the dogs roaming through the crowd. Especially Loki as he's a red cloud Kelpie so you just hear "Red Dog!" being yelled through the venue. He is famous up here!”

It's not uncommon for businesses in Pilbara to have dogs wandering around, especially in the yards of the industrial areas. It may be less common to see a cat, but Kate thinks that may change!

“Monty has been raised with the dogs, so he doesn't know any different. He's very adventurous and not happy that he's stuck inside at the moment, watching the dogs outside through the front door,” says Kate.

Once Monty is a bit older, he'll be out camping with Kate and her family and maybe even boating!

“His harness training has been going very well! He gets his second vaccination next month so his adventures can begin properly,” says Kate.