By Julie Shapiro
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
GOVERNORS ISLAND — This kitty didn't feel like waiting for the ferry.
A friendly calico cat washed up on Governors Island last weekend and has already made herself at home, befriending maintenance and security workers and munching on canned tuna.
"She's been going up to island workers and personnel to say hello," said Elizabeth Rapuano, chief of staff for the Trust for Governors Island. "She has a great personality and she seems to like people."
Security guards on the island first spotted the damp, hungry cat near Water Taxi Beach last Sunday evening. Her fur was matted with salt and she had a few bits of seaweed clinging to her, leading staff to believe that she was swept into the harbor during a storm and rode a piece of debris onto the island.
Since then, she has roamed the island freely, generally staying near the north side and often returning to the security building near the ferry docks.
"You never know what's going to happen on Governors Island," said Rapuano.
A veterinarian examined the white, orange and black cat and found her healthy. She did not have any tags or identification.
Rapuano said she hopes the cat's owner will step forward, but if not, "We're thrilled to have her on Governors Island," Rapuano said. "She's welcome to stay."
The island could be a perfect feline playground — there are few cars, lots of friendly visitors, and, best of all, the island prohibits dogs.
Governors Island staff hasn't given the cat a name yet, but Rapuano said she's open to suggestions.
The cat isn't the first creature to wash up on Governors Island.
In December 2009, a deer hopped into the frigid harbor in Jersey City and swam to Governors Island. The NYPD Harbor Patrol tranquilized the four-legged visitor and brought it to a nature preserve.
The island also once hosted a Dutch cow (she took the ferry) and the island is about to get some chickens for this summer.
Governors Island opens to human visitors on May 27.
