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The Kop cat is looking for a home

A cat that brought a Premier League match to a standstill and became an instant internet celebrity is looking for a new home. The fearless tabby that was cheered by more than 44,000 soccer fans at Liverpool's Anfield stadium has been rescued by an animal charity.

Originally dubbed "Kenny" he sauntered onto the pitch 11 minutes into Liverpool's clash with Tottenham Hotspur on 6th February. TV viewers watched in amazement as Spurs 'keeper Brad Fiedel tried in vain to catch the cat until a steward eventually scooped him up and ejected him from the ground. Following his spell in the limelight the mouser faded into obscurity, living as a stray in a derelict house in Lothair Road, a few yards from Anfield. But his fame spread worldwide on YouTube and a Twitter account set-up by a fan gained more than 50,000 followers - including X-Factor runner-up Marcus Collins.

He's also had a pretty brilliant song written about him, FYI.

And it was when his fans started looking for "Kenny" that Freshfield Animal Rescue received a call from an resident in Anfield, telling them where he could be found. He was taken to a temporary home at the animal charity's centre at Freshfield, near Formby, where they are calling the cat "Shanks" after the legendary Anfield manager.

Cattery assistant Katherine Gibbs, 25, said he is "an absolute gentleman" and despite a few scratches to his face and legs from fighting other cats he is in good heath. Katherine said: "He is not an aggressive cat and we think he is a bit of a ladies man so he fought off the advances of other male cats and has wounds from fights. He was a little bit timid and reserved when we brought him here but he has settled in brilliantly. We'll get him match fit soon and he has done quite a bit of training already. He is exhausted at the moment and sleeps a lot. But he will be in full health soon after a course of antibiotics, a dental and he is neuted. Shanks is quite a laidback cat but he doesn't like dogs, like most cats. He'll be a lap cat, even though he's strong-willed, because he loves his cuddles. He's an absolute gentleman and loves eating chicken - which is his favourite treat."

Anfield local David Highfield, 59, lives on the Lothair Road in Anfield where the cat was rescued. He said: He's already famous round here and I would love to see him go to a good home. This cat has been knocking around these streets for years. It would be really nice if he could get a home in the area and with his new-found fame I’m sure he will have no problem. Even if he got a home over the other side of the ground I bet he could cut across the pitch."

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