Cat rescued from stadium implosion honored

DREXEL HILL, Pa. — A cat rescued two years ago from Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium is being honored as pet of the year.

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The cat, named Hagrid-of-Hogwarts, was one of a litter of two-week-old kittens removed from the stadium just before it was imploded.

Now, the brown-and-white tabby has been named best household pet for 2006 by the American Cat Fanciers Association. He beat out 821 other cats who competed in 50 shows across America and Canada.

Judges liked Hagrid’s glossy coat and his eager way of playing. He also drew attention with his thumb-like extra toe on each front paw, which he uses to scoop up toys.

His rescuer, Linda Hanna of Drexel Hill, also kept another of the stadium kittens. Together, they have traveled to 39 states and four Canadian provinces for cat shows.

Hanna says Hagrid appears to perform just for the attention.