Pets come out for rival leave and remain campaigns in viral referendum meme

An alliance ranging from the prime minister to the assembled might of leading British business figures have already unleashed their combined firepower against the case for a UK withdrawal from the European Union.

Now, in what might yet earn the moniker of “Project Feline”, comes the latest onslaught against those urging a referendum leave vote: #CatsAgainstBrexit.

Cat owners have been posting pictures online of their pets with accompanying messages suggesting that the animals are very much on the side of those hoping that the UK votes on 23 June to remain in the European Union.

Lillian Edwards, an academic based in Scotland, appears to have been the initiator of the trend, having posted an initial photo of her cat.

Lilian Edwards (@lilianedwards) My cat is sad because #Brexit. If you agree RT w your cat. #CatsAgainstBrexit.

Come on guys, viral time!!! pic.twitter.com/NHH5lBMpZq

Others soon followed with images presenting their cats as staunch supporters of the UK’s continued membership of the European Union.

Scarlet Wilde (@wilde) Fendi is a Norwegian immigrant. Lives in a sink estate. #CatsAgainstBrexit pic.twitter.com/d2vuZhfESK

April PrestIN (@OldmoatLibDem) #CatsAgainstBrexit



Because workers rights are protected by remaining inside the #eu pic.twitter.com/o42kWK9Jmq

Remain supporters haven’t had it all their own way however. The prominent leave campaigner and Tory MEP Daniel Hannan, countered with his own tweet claiming that Brexiteers were not without support among the feline constituency.

Daniel Hannan (@DanHannanMEP) I asked @RealGrumpyCat what she thought of #CatsAgainstBrexit. She wasn't impressed. pic.twitter.com/Gb4Sj2UGr5

Separately – and in an altogether unsurprising development – remain-supporting dog lovers have also launched their own hashtag: #mutts4remain

labracoll (@labracoll) #Mutts4remain

Don't worry Mum, if Brexit win we'll dig our way to Europe ... pic.twitter.com/zsytOqNLkU