A mum has married her CAT - in a bid to stop landlords forcing her to give up the pet.
Deborah Hodge, 49, says she has already been made to rehome three animals over the years by landlords who don't allow pets in their properties. And, terrified of losing her precious cat India, the mum-of-two has now 'legally' married her feline friend.
Decked out in a tuxedo, the single mum tied the knot with her moggy in a civil ceremony last Tuesday (19/4), presided over by a legally ordained pal.
The five-year-old cat, who was draped in gold lamé for the special day, meowed her way through her vows as Deborah's friends watched on in a park in south-east London.
Deborah, an unemployed mum from Sidcup, now hopes their commitment will show landlords just how important it is for them to stay together.
She said: "I had nothing to lose and everything to gain so I married my cat! I recited vows under the universe that no man will ever tear myself and India apart. "I set out my intention that I would never be separated from the animal I adore. I can't be without India.
She is truly a sensation, she is so friendly and amazing. "She is fundamentally the most important thing in my life after my children."
"By marrying India, I need any future landlords to know that we come as a package and we cannot be separated under any circumstances as she is as important to me as the children.
"I refuse to be parted with her. I'd rather live on the streets than be without her."
Whilst living in a previous property, Deborah claims she was forced to give up her two huskies, Siri and Starshine, after her landlord threatened her with eviction if she kept them.
Moving to her current home five years ago, she was devastated when her new landlord supposedly instructed her to give up her cat, Jamal, or be evicted.
