Cats have been traditional companions on ships for centuries as companions and hunters of rats and mice that could spread disease, eat the stored food, and gnaw through ropes. Although many cats have sailed on various ships, a few have gained fame for their actions.

Emmy was an orange tabby cat on the RMS Empress of Ireland who never missed a voyage. However, on May 28, 1914, Emmy left the ship and the crew could not coax her aboard. When the Empress left without her, she stood on the roof of the shed at Pier 27, watching her ship sail out of Quebec City. The next morning the Empress collided with the SS Storstad and rapidly sank, killing over 1,000 people. Did Emmy know the ship was doomed? As usual, follow the cat because if the cat saves its own butt, you can be sure that following the cat will save yours too.

To read more about the different ship’s cats throughout history, click here.