For years, an elegant-yet-elusive diner has graced the Veranda .
Handsome in his pearly, sepia-striped coat, he strolls among the courtyard tables, gazing at the patrons, perhaps stopping to sniff at a bit of sea scallop or nibble a morsel of Chateaubriand.
Most guests to the landmark Fort Myers restaurant consider one of his visits a treat, (especially if they’re bored, supposed-to-be-on-best-behavior kids).
Of course, they’re never guaranteed – this fellow can be quite particular – but to say you’ve rubbed elbows with Peaches is a distinct honor.
But it’s an honor that may be drawing to a close: Peaches is battling feline infectious peritonitis, known as FIP, and the prognosis isn’t great. It’s no risk to humans, but it’s put Peaches under the weather
Once upon a time, cat Peaches lived somewhere else. No one knows where. He showed up at the historic downtown spot some 15, 16 years ago, says longtime waiter Pete Turner. “And he wasn’t a kitten when he arrived.”
Before Peaches, there was a rotating cast of feral cats. Not now. “He lets them know this is his yard,” Turner said. (Key word: yard. Peaches never, ever even tries to get inside the restaurant, his friends all say.)