Stop trying to rescue my ‘ugly as sin’ cat, says owner

A cat owner has pleaded with people to stop rescuing her “ugly as sin” pet because they think it needs help.

Michelle Laver, who lives on a boat on the Grand Union Canal in Hertfordshire with Lulu, a Cornish Rex, said passers-by frequently pick up her cat out of concern for its well-being.

But Ms Laver has insisted that Lulu is just “very unusual looking” and does not need saving

She told BBC News: “A lot of people think she has been shaved or she’s abused or is a stray, despite the fact she has an [Apple] airtag, a QR code – and she’s got my name on her.”

A Cornish Rex breed has no fur other than 1cm-long “downhair”, as well as big ears and long legs.

“I’m not going to lie, they’re ugly as sin,” Ms Laver admitted.

However, Lulu’s looks have given the pet new-found celebrity status amongst locals, who now take photos with her which they post on social media.

Ms Laver said “friendly” Lulu enjoyed this attention, which is what has often confused strangers as it made the cat look like a stray that needed rehoming.

She once had someone calling her while she was away in Australia saying they had found Lulu.

Lulu’s vet has also been made aware of the issue, as some people have found Lulu near the boat and tried to take the cat to a vet to find its home.

Ms Laver added: “I understand it comes from caring but it gets quite stressful when I’m working.”