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Puss in Boots: Social media cat banned from shop

Ian Nelmes Fluffy tabby cat sitting inside a white cardboard boxIan Nelmes
A Facebook page on which people post pictures of Willow's antics has thousands of followers

A cat that became famous in a town after it was frequently spotted in shops has been banned from a pharmacy.

Willow's access to the branch of Boots in Didcot, Oxfordshire, had been "restricted" following health and safety concerns, the company said.

Locals described the three-year-old feline as a "lovely cat", adding escorting him out of the branch was a "step too far".

But Boots said it had a duty to ensure that it served its customers in a "hygienic environment".

Ian Nelmes A fluffy tabby cat sitting on a shop floor. In the background is a shelf stacked with packets of nappies.Ian Nelmes
Willow is frequently spotted roaming the shop floor in the Orchard Centre

The moggy first captured the hearts of locals after he was seen in outlets such as Sainsbury's and Starbucks in the town.

A Facebook fan page called The Adventures of Willow from Didcot has also amassed almost 6,000 followers.

In December, Willow officially opened a new Dunelm store, complete with a ribbon-cutting.

Many residents expressed their disappointment upon hearing the tabby had been banned from the Boots store.

Ian Nelmes, from Didcot, said Willow had waited patiently in the queue behind him on multiple occasions.

"Most people were so happy to see him and the fact that there is a page for Willow indicates the joy that little bundle can bring," he said.

Teresa Eagles said she last saw the friendly feline in the pharmacy in June, and that she understood he had been allowed in the shop for a few years.

"It’s so sad Willow has been banned - he gives so much to the customers many who go in to see him in person," she said.

Local resident, Angela Badger, described Willow as a "lovely cat" who liked to wander around the town.

"To tell staff they have to actively shoo him out seems a step too far," she added.

Teresa Eagles A tabby cat sits on a shop floor looking at some doors. Next to it is a stand containing some cotton wool balls.Teresa Eagles
It is "a shame" that Willow is no longer allowed in the store, some locals say

A spokesperson for Boots said: "As a pharmacy-led retailer, health and safety is our number one priority and we have a duty to ensure that we serve our patients in a hygienic environment.

"As such, we have asked our team members to restrict Willow's access to the store."

"Like the rest of the local community, our store team are very fond of Willow and we appreciate the strength of feeling on this matter," they added.

The BBC has contacted Willow's owners for comment.

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