Anne Hathaway has landed the role of Catwoman despite reportedly being allergic to cats.

The 28-year-old actress will play Selina Kyle, whose alter-ego is the seductive Catwoman, in new Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises. Anne is believed to have fought off stiff competition from stars including Natalie Portman and Keira Knightley for the role, but it has now been claimed she can’t even be around felines because they trigger such a reaction.

Although Anne loves all kinds of animals and has several pet dogs, she can’t touch cats because she immediately begins sneezing.

"Anne has always had a reaction to cats and is very much a dog person," a source revealed. "She's devoted to her chocolate Labrador, Esmeralda, but wouldn't have a cat in the house. I guess it just shows her dedication as an actress that she's willing to put herself on the line as Catwoman!"

Director Christopher Nolan recently revealed he is “thrilled” at the prospect of working with Anne and believes she is the perfect choice for the part.

It is not yet known if the role will see Anne playing a more villainous version of Catwoman or if the story will focus on her love affair with Batman, played by Christian Bale

The Dark Knight Rises is expected to be released in cinemas in 2012 and Christian recently suggested it will be his last outing as the caped crusader.

Belfast Telegraph