The Purr-fect present

Next year, the usual pin-ups may well have fallen to the wayside with plans for Pixie – better known as Asda cat – to feature in his very own calendar. The ginger moggy, whose favourite past time is lazing in shopping baskets, has been a familiar sight at Asda’s store at The Jewel for nearly a year where he can often be seen lounging in the foyer or car park. Facebook fan pages set up in his honour have attracted a total of 2800 members. The man behind the calendar, Andrew Mackie, 55, from Craigmillar, said: “I had some software on my computer where you can make greetings cards and calendars. “I put a couple of pictures of Pixie on a calendar and posted an image of it on Facebook. “Another member of the group suggested I put calendars up for sale and donate the profits to the cat and dog home.” The calendar features Pixie, who has been known to jump inside shoppers’ cars, in a variety of poses and even has his birthday marked. Andy, who became a fan after spotting Pixie in the store and overhearing shoppers discussing his Facebook page, has been taking some fresh pictures of the puss. “I went down to Asda recently and he was nestled amongst the Christmas tree. “Every time I go into the shop I see Pixie – he probably spends more time in Asda than he does in his own home. “I have no idea why he likes it so much there, I can’t imagine him not being in the store now.” Andy has been amazed with the reaction to the calendar. “I’ve been inundated with orders. So far I have had about 40. “I gave people the option of having 12 months with Pixie or 11 months with Pixie and one with a picture of their own cat. “The second idea is going down pretty well. “I didn’t realise the idea would prove so popular. I’m hoping if I do get it off the ground, Asda might put them on sale at customer services.” Andy hopes to raise funds for the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home and the PDSA through the sale of the calendar. However, at £8 to produce each calendar, Andy can’t afford to produce them all by himself. “I asked for some donations of ink and other materials from Asda but so far, I haven’t heard back.” But help might be on the way. An Asda spokesman said: “Asda Edinburgh are more than happy to have a chat to Mr Mackie about the possibility of creating a calendar for our little celebrity Pixie.” dawn.morrison@edinburghnews.com