Game Crashing Anfield Cat Rescued And Recuperating At UK Animal Shelter

Shankly the Anfield Cat is being treated at Freshfields Animal Rescue

What's a homeless cat gotta do to get noticed these days? Dash across an occupied football stadium during a nationally televised sporting event, apparently!

For those concerned about the fate of the Anfield Cat - the kitty caught on film bounding across the field at the UK stadium last week - rest assured that the now infamous feline has been rescued, and is being nursed back to health by the staff of Freshfields Animal Rescue in Liverpool.

Shankly, as he has been renamed, is thought to be around 2-3 years old, and was suffering from bites and an abscess under his chin when he was scooped up late last week. Although shy at first, the shelter reports that he is "an extremely affectionate and friendly cat who shows obvious gratitude for the cosseting he is receiving at present."

In addition to being treated for his injuries, the brave kitty will be neutered, vaccinated, and micro-chipped before he is ready to begin looking for a forever home - which should be in about three weeks. With all the publicity surrounding his story, I'm sure the audacious moggy (Brit-speak, yay!) will be spoken for in no time - however, there's no word yet on if his lucrative Twitter account, which now boasts over 58,000 loyal followers, will come as part of the deal.

If you would like to donate towards Shankly's care, or towards the care of 80+ other cats currently residing at Freshfields Animal Rescue, please visit their website for more information.

Via Freshfields Animal Rescue / Click Liverpool

Game Crashing Anfield Cat Rescued And Recuperating At UK Animal Shelter

Cat Crashes UK Football Match

Cat on the pitch at Anfield

Last night's Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham at Anfield stadium almost ended in cat-astrophe, as a misdirected tabby threatened the halt the game. While the poor thing was probably very confused and perhaps a bit frightened, he didn't show it as he confidently bounded across the field to the amusement (and consternation) of players and fans. His energetic romp ended up being short lived, however, before he was peacefully scooped up by a steward, and escorted out of the stadium for non-payment.

The furry game crasher generated a flurry of support from fans, who immediately made #ThatCat a trending topic on Twitter. User @blakemharris tweeted, "Leave it to twitter, to already have #ThatCat Trending Worldwide! Talk about a cat that would get adopted (if it needs home,) with ease :)" while @RobertOmbonyo quipped, "#ThatCat Somewhere there are a bunch of cats watching TV laughing saying "look it's Dave... he made it to Anfield."

Naturally, someone also went ahead and created a social media account for the insta-celeb (@AnfieldCat), that has already amassed over 26,000 followers in less than 24 hours.

The real Anfield Cat might be dismayed to learn this isn't the first time a feline crashed the stadium in hopes of achieving footballing fame. In fact, he was beat out 48 years ago, when a black and white cat attempted the same dash back in 1964.

Via The Daily Mail, with thanks to @MogsTogs for the tip!

Cat Crashes UK Football Match