Nine rescue cats at animal welfare charity Battersea are hoping that weighing in on a new British television debate might help them find loving new homes.

The ‘Battersea Nine’, who are all currently looking for new owners, have put their paws behind a letter to Channel 4 asking for the long-running show 8 Out of 10 Cats to be renamed to 9 Out of 10 Cats.

Among the feline campaigners are Rob Beckcat, Sarah Meowlican and Joe Whiskason – three namesakes inspired by panellists from the show – alongside six other rescue cats hoping to find new homes.
Battersea staff posted the letter into the iconic blue post-box outside the charity’s historic old cattery building, after the TV programme’s re-launch at the end of July.
The activity is part of a playful challenge from Battersea’s long-standing partner WHISKAS®, inspired by the original 1980s advertising slogan behind the show’s title. The brand now claims that 9 out of 10 cats love WHISKAS®, prompting the call for Channel 4 to update the show’s name.

WHISKAS® will donate £10,000 to the Battersea as part of the campaign, doubling to £20,000 if Channel 4 agrees to rename the show 9 Out of 10 Cats.

While the activity is a playful way to involve Battersea in the campaign, the cats’ message has a heartfelt purpose – helping them get noticed by potential new families.

Sorrel Magenta, Rehoming & Welfare Manager said: “We know our cats are far more interested in finding loving homes than television programmes, but we couldn’t resist letting them have their say in this cheeky campaign.

“Every one of these wonderful cats has their own personality, quirks and, in our opinion, sense of humour. While we’re having a bit of fun with the letter, the real aim is to help these cats – and many others like them at our centres – find the loving homes they deserve.”