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28th October 2009

BLACK CAT FROM EDGWARE WINS NATIONAL SEARCH FOR THE SPOOK-FACTOR

A black cat from Edgware, London has been awarded the most sought after job for a cat of its class; the official cat of the Wookey Hole Witch.

The nationwide competition launched earlier this month when pet insurer, Petplan, specified a strict witchy criteria to separate superior felines from the cat-pack. The Halloween job hunt saw Tiny beat stiff competition from 12 other magic moggies to see his portrait take pride of place at Wookey Hole and be her apprentice cat of choice.

Tiny walked into his owner’s life three years ago, as if by magic, just after her previous cat had passed away. He boasts a cauldron black shade of fur combined with moonshine yellow eyes and pitch perfect meow.

Thirteen cats were plucked from a bank of over 1,100 entrants that had been uploaded to Petplan’s National Petrait Gallery (www.petraitgallery.co.uk). An expert judging panel was then tasked with reviewing each shortlisted cat and their detailed CV before picking the worthy winner. Pet Behaviourist Pippa Hutchison and Petplan’s Alison Andrew sifted through the candidates but it was seasoned Halloween professional, the Witch of Wookey Hole who made the crucial final decision.

The Wookey Witch says of her decision: “Tiny caught my eye immediately as he chose his owner, with a single minded loyalty befitting of a witch’s cat. Competition was fierce but Tiny pipped the others to the role due to his ability to catch almost anything and guard his territory so fearlessly.

Pippa Hutchison felt that Tiny was best suited to the job because of: “His extreme loyalty which is crucial to his role as a witch’s cat. In addition his exceptional survival skills suggest he’s no ordinary moggy and has more than nine lives.”

Petplan’s, Alison Andrew, said: “Cats are popular on the gallery all year round but we thought it would be fun this Halloween to celebrate the love of black cats and the fabled role they play in spooky tales at this time of year.”

Tiny’s owners receive a £250 donation to their animal charity of choice, a £100 animal gift hamper, a framed picture of Tiny in his new role as a witch’s cat, plus transport and entry to Wookey Hole to view his portrait in its pride of place at the Wookey Hole caves.

Tosee Tiny in all his glory,visit the National Petrait Galley website: (www.petraitgallery.co.uk).

Notes to editors:

Witch’s Cat Criteria

I. Perfectly Black fur

Witch’s cats prowl with fur as black as the night’s sky and as smooth as silk. A witch’s cat has perfectly even pigmentation

II. Piercing eyes

Eyes that capture the setting sun make a witch’s cat the perfect companion to keep a look out while the Witch of Wookey goes about her Halloween business

III. Long tail

Witch’s cats need long tails to keep them balanced and wrap around a broomstick

IV. Long whiskers

Whiskers give cats detailed information about their surroundings and allow a witch’s cat to dart through the Wookey Hole caves to deliver important and urgent messages with precision

V. A low purr and a high pitched shriek

Purring and shrieking sounds are essential for a witch’s cat to communicate with their witch

VI. A well arched back

Proves a cat can scare off enemies while it hisses, there is a perfect angle for this arch

VII. Balancing

The Witch of Wookey needs to be able to trust her cat on her broomstick as she flies around

VIII. Unusual gifts

Gifts from one’s cat pleases the Witch of Wookey as she uses them to make her potions

IX. Independent and loyal

A true witch’s cat shuns affection from all but its owner. When the Witch of Wookey needs to send messages this Halloween, her cat will need to be able to travel alone and know to only answer to its owner

X. Bravery

Unlike normal cats, witch’s cats don’t have nine lives, they have an endless amount. Does your cat seem to survive all trouble that comes its way?

For more information please contact the Petplan press office: