Ship Cat Chiclet

We found Chiclet on the Rockaways in 2009 when she was an underfed, tween of a cat full of fleas. When we explained to a visiting 4-year old that the newly adopted cat was not really a kitten, just very small, the child proposed that the cat be named Chiclet “because it is a very small gum.” Can’t beat that! In 2012, Chiclet was listed among Time Out's top New York City mascots after issuing her own press release.

Her Important Work

Chiclet is more than just a famous New York City cat. She keeps the MARY rodent-free. She acts as our official greeter, approaching all visitors and rubbing against their ankles. She was the official host of the #PortSidePark for 2+ years of the pandemic while we had the park. And she is the ship’s inspector on all pier and outdoor shipwork. Her longest stint was supervising the repair to our shorepower connection after Hurricane Sandy—she oversaw that nighttime, all-flashlight job for four whole hours, which is more than any dog who’s visited us can claim. While Chiclet wears many hats at PortSide, she refuses to get involved in administration. She finds typing boring, unless there’s string is involved.

Meet Chiclet

Visit us during TankerTime hours or learn how to volunteer aboard the MARY. Chiclet sends her regards.

GALLERY