Bug Naked (or “Bug” for short) is a Sphynx cat influencer known for sailing on Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Beyond for the last eight years. Sadly, her epic journey came to an end just after Christmas. Due to complications from a dental procedure, Bug passed away.
Bug worked as first mate to her human, Captain Kate McCue, since 2016 when she was three months old. Since then, Bug has been a true celebrity kitty to guests on the Celebrity Beyond and to her 84k Instagram followers. Captain McCue has posted several tributes to her seafaring sidekick. Thousands commented with their condolences and over 64k liked her first post sharing the sad news.
Bug’s mom Captain McCue is also a very notable human. She is the first woman to become captain of a mega cruise ship, aided six sailors in 2017, and helped rescue 200 stranded migrants in 2023. Also being a captain of such a large ship with such a large crew can actually be quite lonely. Not only does she spend months away from her friends and family, but she’s also the boss of the entire crew, so she needs to prioritize unbiased relationships with them.
With those accomplishments and challenges in mind, Captain McCue was given a special exemption to have a pet on board (aka her MSM – Marine Support Animal) And she says Bug also helped keep her officers relaxed and cheerful.
Bug was also known for “Bug Trivia” night, where the winner would get to meet and snuggle with the captain’s kitty.
Lacking a built-in fur coat, Bug was also known as a fashionista with over a hundred outfits, costumes, and uniforms.
But Bug was also very happy to just be in her birthday suit and work on her tan.
For more on this cat and captain duo, follow them on Instagram at @bugnaked and @captainkatemccue.
And for another seafaring pet, meet Rover the first Chief Dog Officer for Royal Caribbean’s new cruise ship.
And for a historic cruising kitty from the 1940s, check out the story of Herman the Coast Guard Cat who had his own passport.
