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.”
All nine cats are available to meet on the Battersea website here, where potential adopters can find out more about each cat and the kind of home they're looking for.
Meet three of the ‘Battersea Nine’ below.
NAME: Rob Beckcat
- Age: 3 months
- Personality: Rob Beckcat is a ball of energy with a silly sense of humour and plenty of love to give. He also has polydactylism (meaning he has additional toes) which makes him an extra cool little boy.
- Perfect Home: Rob Beckcat would be happiest living with older school-aged children and will need outside access. He will also need kitten leaving hours so he can have a lunch time meal as he is still growing.
Name: Sarah Meowlican
- Age: 1 year and 3 months
- Personality: Sarah Meowlican is an amusing companion, who is currently obsessed with cardboard boxes and ping pong balls. After all the fun, this lovely lass enjoys people watching or snoozing from her comfy perch.
- Perfect Home: Sarah Meowlican needs a quiet introduction to a new home, with plenty of cosy places to hide. She can live with older school-aged child who will understand that she will need time and space to settle.
Name: Joe Whiskason
- Age: 9 years and 3 months
- Personality: Joe Whiskason is a sweet boy who enjoys plenty of cuddles and head scratches. He's a little noise-sensitive and has a ‘lone wolf’ side, but once you've earned his trust, his personality really shines through.
- Perfect Home: Joe is seeking a loving family with outside access. He could happily live with school-aged children or in a quieter environment.
Battersea has worked in close partnership with Mars Petcare UK for more than 18 years, with support spanning food donations, vital fundraising and expertise. Mars Petcare UK provides WHISKAS® food for Battersea’s rescue cats and has also supported the charity through nutritional training for staff, sponsorship initiatives and national campaigns.
To find out more about rehoming and the vital work Battersea does for feline welfare, please visit: https://www.battersea.org.uk.
For further information, images or interviews please contact press@battersea.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
- At Battersea, we offer our love and expert care to dogs and cats who need us by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals at our centres, and by sharing our knowledge and resources with rescue organisations around the world. We do this because we want to help every dog and cat, everywhere.
- In 2025, Battersea directly cared for 1,989 dogs and 1,745 cats at our three centres. We also helped thousands more through campaigning work, supporting other rescues and animal welfare advocates, and sharing knowledge and advice with pet owners.
- In addition to the centre in South West London, Battersea also has two other centres based at Brands Hatch, Kent and in Old Windsor, Berkshire.
- To find out more, visit Battersea’s website or follow Battersea on Instagram @battersea or facebook.com/Battersea and TikTok @battersea .