If you know cats, then you know that if you try to keep them out of a particular room or place, that’s where they want to go most! In this regard, cats are much like kids and reverse psychology applies. That’s what happened to a locally famous cat named Willow, who was banned from a UK Pharmacy called ‘Boots.’ But how does one ban a cat, exactly?
Incredibly, attempts at banning the Puss from Boots made news on the BBC!
Image via UK Pharmacy News
When visitors to the shopping center see Willow, they get quite excited. And the kitty often loves to cuddle with them, despite never having met them before! It’s an unexpected pleasant surprise and some folks will return as customers just to see the cat again!
“I was only just saying I wonder if we will see willow before we entered H&M and low and behold willow was wondering around and we had to of course say hello.”
Image via Facebook/The Adventures of Willow from Didcot/Millie B.
Willow Takes Over a UK Shopping Centre
We were alerted to Willow by a British fan who said his “favourite shop is Boots the Chemist.” In the marbled tabby’s heyday, he even served as “Customer Relations Manager.”
“Saw willow fast asleep in Boots!! Happy kitty,” shared Lana C.
Willow Loves Boots and Sainsbury’s Garage
From the picture, you can see why Willow preferred the pharmacy so much. A Boots employee said it would be “very odd” if he didn’t see Willow in the Pharmacy 2-3 times each week.
Besides the pharmacy, he is also a favorite at many of the nearby shops in Didcot, Oxfordshire. As Willow’s family shared with the BBC, he sometimes also prefers hanging out around Sainsbury’s parking garage.
“….As we’re approaching Sainsbury’s, the husband let’s out an excited cry Willow!’ He’s well-chuffed to have finally spotted him,” shared Lesleyann W.
Image via Facebook/The Adventures of Willow/ Lesleyann W.
If you can believe it, Willow was so popular with the locals that he previously cut the ribbon at the opening of a home furnishings store called Dunelm in December 2023!
Images of Willow at the Dunelm Opening via BBC/Jane Waring
Puss Banned from Boots?
In July 2024, Boots made the difficult decision to ban Willow for hygiene concerns, and many locals and fans were not amewsed. They wanted Willow to do as he pleased and thought it a “shame” he couldn’t go inside. Some even said the managers were “miserable gits” for banning their daily purrscription of the sweet Moggy.
“Good luck keeping a cat ‘banned!'” said a Facebook group member.
“To tell staff they have to actively shoo him out seems a step too far,” said resident Angela Badger.
But the Pharmacy staff also love Willow too and it must have been very unpleasant to have to escort him outdoors. Thus, it was difficult for everyone.
Image via Facebook/The Adventures of Willow
The Adventures of Willow from Didcot
Over about two years, Willow became so popular that he has his own Facebook group called “The Adventures of Willow from Didcot.” Incredibly, the group has over 6.1K members, up from 800 in August 2023. Locals post their pictures and stories of the kitty going about his daily routine. Sharing stories about the community cat strengthens human bonds too.
Although this cute Puss may be banned from Boots, he has a loving family at home. Each evening, they look for him and bring him home, at least when they can find him.
“If that fails and we do not find him, a lady from the petrol station will look after him and return him,” his human told the BBC.
Boots with his brother at home via Facebook
Good Luck Banning a Cat!
In the Facebook group, his Mom said she understood the ban on Puss from Boots, saying he’s “lucky to be allowed in any shops, has a loving home, and is wanted at home.” There, he has a half-brother who could be his slightly less fluffy twin.
In the meantime, the Facebook group has many posts that suggest Willow has allegedly been spotted back in Boots. (Many times, actually!) Some even say the ban may have been lifted, but is it all rumors?
Whatever the case, good luck banning a cat! And people seem “chuffed” that this puss is back in Boots again.
“Seems like the Boots ban was only temporary!” joked Rachel S.
“The picture show him doing his job with a young customer, presumably looking for diapers/nappies!” shared Bob P with Cole and Marmalade.
