Pimlico feline could be perfect witch's cat

The criteria included flawless black fur to blend in with the night sky, balancing ability for broomstick travelling prowess and a faultlessly arched back and hiss to scare off unwanted visitors.

The rescue cat, who has lived with the Robling family for around a year, has been described as the boss of her own coven.

Owner Stephen Robling said: "She is friendly and affectionate, although one friend thinks she is a bit scary. We think she had a bit of a tough life before she came to us, because she was bullied by her three brothers. She was stressed and she had some health problems, but now she really likes being the only cat of the house."

Shunning treats such as smoked salmon and chicken, Minkie prefers to tuck into tinned tuna when her owners feel she has been good.

Her talents have put her in the running to become the official cat of the Wookey Hole Witch, where her portrait will hang in the Wookey caves, in Somerset.

The owners of the winning cat will also receive a £250 donation to the animal charity of their choice, a £100 animal gift hamper and a framed picture of their cat in its new role as a witch's cat.

The results of the competition, launched earlier this month by pet insurance provider Petplan, will be announced on October 29.

To see all 13 shortlisted cats, visit the National Petrait Gallery website at www.petraitgallery.co.uk

* Minkie sadly lost out on the top prize in this competition.

On Thursday, October 29, it was announced that the winner was a cat named Tiny, from Edgware, north London.