A retirement party will be held today in Halifax for the furriest employee of the C-S-S Acadia.

A cat named Erik the Red has been the mouser aboard the ship for the past 17 years.

The party is set for 1 p.m. at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

There will be a guestbook and a large photo of Erik visitors can sign to wish him well.

Over the past few weeks, museum staff have been collecting memories of Erik on a hotline and through photographs.

The tabby cat was often seen wandering around the shops and restaurants on the waterfront. Some offered him sweaters in the winter, while museum staff are convinced others puffed Erik up with treats.

Erik is now at least 18 years old, and starting to show his age. His co-workers decided it was time to give their peer an extravagant send off.

In retirement, Erik will be moving inland, to share a home in Halifax's north end with his co-worker Read.

The Acadia, a Canadian Scientific Ship, was retired in 1969 after 56 years of service.