Pet of the day

Mittens is the cat that got the cream – or in this case, the key.

Wellington’s celebrity feline has been afforded the city’s highest honour, with Mittens being given the key to the city.

With a certificate and a miniature key for his collar, Mittens will be able to slink around the capital safe in the knowledge the city’s streets are his.

A regular visitor to businesses and homes in the CBD, Mittens’ popularity has transcended the physical world.

Mittens has starred in thousands of selfies, featured in international news reports and boasts more than 45,000 friends on his Facebook page.

His Floofiness had the honour bestowed upon him in a small Covid-19 safe ceremony yesterday, accompanied by proud owners Silvio and Roelf Bruinsma.

The ceremony was set down for March, but it was bumped due to the pandemic. With all the challenges people were facing, Silvio thought the time was right for a happy story to be reported.

‘‘Mittens has captured the heart of the city and kept smiles on the faces of many of his fans during the lockdown – both here and abroad,’’ Silvio said.

Wellington Mayor Andy Foster hoped Mittens’ latest accolade would bring some joy.

‘‘He’s famous for roaming the CBD visiting businesses and homes, bringing his brand of coolness wherever he goes – the key to the city pretty much acknowledges his daily routines,’’ Foster said.

Mittens follows in the footsteps of previous key to the city recipients, cricketer Brendon McCullum, and filmmakers Sir Peter Jackson and Sir Richard Taylor.