West Hartford Feline Seeking 'America's Favorite Cat' Title A Quarterfinalist: UPDATE

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A local kitty is running for a major national honor, and his family is hoping your vote will help.

So far, that help has pushed this beloved feline into the quarterfinals of the competition.

West Hartford resident Ashley Hanse, a high school English teacher who has lived in West Hartford with her family for 28 years, said her cat, "Granger," is a candidate for "America's Favorite Cat" by Modern Cat magazine and the PAWS Foundation.

Of course, if Granger wins, he will be on the cover of the magazine.

"There are only two rounds after this, and my family and I are hoping that he will make West Hartford proud atop the future magazine cover," wrote Hanse to Patch.

While the votes are free, donations, however, will be accepted, and proceeds will go toward PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society).

Hanse describes her favorite feline as being 3 years old and a rescue from Animal Friends of Connecticut.

So far, Hanse said her pal has a chance.

"He has been doing well, and is currently in second place in his group, and the next cut for the top 5 is on Feb. 5," wrote Hanse.

"We hope that he continues to succeed into the quarter and semi-finals — the competition ends on March 12."

Hanse is biased, but she said Granger would make a great top cat.

"Granger is truly the golden retriever of cats. He is the sweetest little orange man in the world and loves greeting his humans at the door, snuggling like a teddy bear, playing fetch with hair ties and fresh green beans, giving paw, and proudly wearing his bow tie collars every day like a dapper little fellow," she wrote.

To vote for Granger, click on this link.