Tommy the Cat at Pomham Rocks Light

The following story appeared in the January 18, 1931 edition of the Times-Picayune newspaper. Adolf H. Aronson served as the keeper of the Pomham Rocks Lighthouse (RI) during this time (1908 to 1937).

Cat Catches Fish by Diving into Sea

Practice Reputed to Have Been Learned from Children

“Providence, R.I., Jan. 17 – It’s not strange for a bird to catch fish, or for a cat to catch birds, but it’s a bit unusual for a cat to dive into the ocean to catch fish. Such a cat has Captain Adolf H. Aronson, keeper of Pomham Light.

“The cat, called Tommy, acquired the fishing habit from Captain Aronson’s children.

“Perched motionless on a rock, Tommy awaits the approach of a fish, then dives, head first, into the sea, seizing prey with mouth and claws.

“Tommy inevitably hides the fish under a lilac bush on the island until he has enough for a meal.

“The cat doesn’t like the salt water, for he rolls in the grass to dry himself, whereas after a rain storm he licks himself dry.

“Twice Tommy got fish hooks caught in his mouth when he took a liking to bait attached to them as they lay unused on the ground. Each time, Captain Aronson removed the hooks without serious results.”