A TABBY cat that has taken up residence at a Saltney supermarket is set to rule the roost for a little bit longer.
It was feared three-year-old tomcat Brutus, who has spent every day lounging in the foyer of Morrisons since it opened in August, 2010, had been banned from the High Street store following complaints about health and safety.
However, more than 150 people signed an online petition which said they would boycott the supermarket unless the cheeky feline was allowed to return.
Store manager Les Williams has since explained that Brutus was never banned and will continue to greet shoppers from his favourite spot on top of the recycling bin.
“Brutus the cat has become a store mascot,” he told the Leader.
“He gives a lot of joy to our shoppers – particularly our younger and older customers – and he will always be welcome.
“He’s not allowed in the store and if he creeps in we immediately, but gently usher him back outside.”
Brutus’ owner, who lives opposite the supermarket and who did not wish to be named, feared her pet had been given the boot from his favourite hangout after she saw rumours on Facebook.
Users of the social networking site said Brutus had been banned for sneaking from the foyer into the actual store, which is illegal.
An e-petition was set up by members of the ‘Brutus The Morrisons Cat’ group on Facebook – which has more than 600 followers – which demanded that Brutus be allowed to return.
His owner confronted Mr Williams who confirmed three complaints had been made about Brutus but said the popular pet still had a place on the premises.
“Brutus virtually lives in Morrisons,” she said.
“He waits at the entrance for the shop to open at 8am and only comes home during the day for the odd meal.
“He will lounge in the foyer all day minding his own business. Brutus is well loved and an asset to the store.”
Worried shoppers who call the telephone number on his collar tag are greeted by his personal answering machine, saying: “Thanks for calling about Brutus.
“I assume you found him in Morrisons car park and are concerned he may be lost. He actually goes to Morrisons every day as I only live across the road and he goes under the bridge and across the stream, so he’s unlikely to cross the road.
“He will make his own way back home later. I really do appreciate your call and the fact that you care, so thanks.”
The message continues: “If you found him somewhere other than Morrisons, please leave a message so I know where to find him.”
His owner is urging shoppers to approach her pet with caution as he does not take lightly to being disturbed from his cat nap.
“Children love to stroke Brutus and he loves the attention,” she added.
“But he gets really grumpy if you wake him from his sleep.”