Meet the cat that came with this local nursery

A CAT with her own colouring book, a devoted following and even a retirement plan has become such an important part of a Geelong nursery that her care was written into the sale of the business.

When Jeff Reynolds and Brad Wilson took over Valley Road Nursery four years ago, they also inherited Coco, the resident feline who has long been part of the nursery’s character.

Her story began more than 16 years ago when Coco and another stray, Smokey, wandered into the nursery.

Jan Kerr, who has worked at the nursery for more than 20 years, remembers Smokey settling in almost immediately.

“When Smokey walked in, he jumped up on the bench and went sound asleep,” Kerr said. “Everybody put plants around him and he just stayed there; he was happy as Larry.”

Coco, by contrast, was timid and took months to warm to staff.

The team initially tried to track down an owner, but after no one came forward – and with assurances from a customer that the pair were not owned – the cats were eventually adopted by the nursery.

While Coco remained reserved, Smokey became a social and outgoing member of the nursery family, often wandering across to visit members of the bowls club opposite.

About five years later, that curiosity led to tragedy when Smokey was killed on the road between the nursery and the bowls club.

“He was an amazing cat. I absolutely adored him,” Kerr said. “Unfortunately, he liked company too much.”

In Smokey’s absence, Coco quickly blossomed into the nursery’s “queen bee”, almost immediately taking his place on the counter.

“This has been her place ever since,” Kerr said.

Today, the 18-year-old cat is adored by staff and customers alike, particularly children, and has even inspired her own colouring and activity booklet.

“[Coco’s presence] really alters people when they come in,” Kerr said.

“You can see people that can be quite shy or reserved, then as soon as they see the cat their whole personality changes.”

For nursery owner Jeff Reynolds, Coco brings a homely warmth to the place.

“She’s such a big part of what this nursery is,” he said. “Having a cat in the workplace is amazing.”

He said Coco’s cheeky and curious personality is a large part of her appeal.

In summer she roams the nursery, while in winter she prefers to stay close to staff, usually curled up on the counter or in the office.

Former nursery owner Pete still visits Coco regularly and takes her to veterinary appointments. It has also been agreed that when her time comes, she will be laid to rest at Pete’s farm.