There may be catfights over the next fortnight as the nation’s politicians go head-to-head to find out who has the finest feline in this year’s Battersea Purr Minister competition.
Furry friends of the nation’s politicos will have to use their best purr-suasion techniques to prove they have the best cattitude and earn top spot.
There are no safe seats as the seven candidates are now ready to battle it out after polishing their whiskers and putting forward a strong maniFURsto.
South west London will be represented by Croydon North MP Steve Reed and his ‘purr’ of cats, siblings Pixie and Smudge, who have been allowed to enter together.
Vote #Pixie&Smudge for #PurrMinister 2016 https://t.co/0WbVuoPDPS pic.twitter.com/Z2i81DlOd1
— Steve Reed (@SteveReedMP) February 25, 2016
Pixie shows clear leadership potential, his beginnings as a rescue cat mean he gets up extra early to punch Smudge’s breakfast.
However Smudge is no slouch either and has cunningly chosen a choice spot below the bird feeder as a resting spot.
Lindsey Quinlan, Battersea’s head of catteries, said: “We can’t wait to see who will get their claws out this year and steal the Purr Ministerial crown.
“Battersea Dogs & Cats Home takes in over 3,000 cats every year, including Number 10 cat Larry who arrived at the Home as a stray in 2011.
“This year we’ve some really cat-tivating contenders and we urge the public to make their vote count by backing one of our political pussycats. It’s meow or never!”
Cat lovers across the UK have from today until midnight on March 6 to vote for their favourite Westminster feline.
Last year’s winner Billy, owned by the former Mid Dorset & North Poole MP Dame Annette Brooke, had a Manifursto highlighting ‘love and care’ and edu-CAT-ion for all which clearly struck a chord with the public.
Billy’s owner said: “We acquired Billy from a rescue centre in Dorset last July, and were so impressed with them.
“My family stay in touch with the centre, letting them know how Billy is getting on, and I would really encourage anyone looking for a new pet to rehome from a rescue.”
This year’s Purr Minister winner will be announced by Battersea on Monday 7th March 2016 and will join the likes of former Battersea resident – Larry the Downing Street cat and last year’s winner Billy, in enjoying the high life of Governmental grandeur.
Get your paws clicking for your winner here: www.battersea.org.uk/purrminister2016
Featured image of Larry courtesy of No 10 Downing Street / Paul Shaw, with thanks
