Meet Gary, the famous wandering cat taking Portchester by storm

Furry wanderer Gary has been attracting attention around the village as he visits shops and businesses throughout the precinct on his daily travels while his owner is out at work.

He began causing a stir on social media as pictures appeared of the seven-year-old pet relaxing and finding unusual places to fall asleep in Lloyd’s Bank, McColl’s and Petfayre.

A Facebook page was set up for Gary the Cat by Greg Simpson, who owns L V Noon Estate Agent in Portchester.

Greg has found himself caring for Gary each day, feeding him with Whiskas which Gary’s owner drops off and having to tempt him out at the end of the day with food.

‘He’s been wandering around ever since I got here,’ said Greg, who has given Gary his own chair to sit on.

‘I set up my estate agents like a living room so we have a few nice things to sit on, and he ends up back here of an evening because I feed him.’

He added: ‘I plan to keep the door open for him as long as I’m here.’

Gary, who was born in Fratton and joined his family as a kitten, is a Maine Coon mix-breed which means it is in his nature to roam around the area.

The friendly feline can often be found on the counter in Petfayre, or sleeping by the electric fire in the back room.

Manager Kevin Butcher said: ‘I think it’s great, he’s a lovely little cat. A lot of people like to come in and see him.’

A sign had to be placed on the counter to prevent people buying food for Gary, as many residents were concerned he is a stray, when he is actually well-looked after and gets enough food.

At Christmas, the shop sold cards with Gary’s famous face on to raise funds for Cats Protection, and were shocked to sell 44 in eight days.

Kevin added: ‘It brings people together to a certain extent, they all seem to love him.

‘He’s such a character, he’s adopted us not the other way around.’

Gary’s owner says she is happy for him to have the limelight and that he has so many friends in the village.