Wellington-based National MP Nicola Willis has come to the defense of the capital's iconic cat Mittens after TV personality Mark Richardson described the feline as "ugly".
Mittens, a beloved Turkish angora cat that earlier this year was given the keys to the city, now has an art exhibition documenting his various exploits - but his high profile earned him a rebuke from Richardson on The AM Show.
"I don't know how to say this but Mittens is a particularly ugly cat," the TV personality said on Friday morning, much to the dismay of his co-hosts Duncan Garner and Amanda Gillies.
Willis, who is running as the National Party's candidate for Wellington Central, took to social media to express her own dismay. In a video published on Friday afternoon, she petted Mittens while delivering a message to Richardson.
"Dear Mark Richardson, here I am with a Wellington icon. Look at this beautiful, beautiful boy. How dare you call into question the beauty of Mittens - a wonderful cat? I know you're just jealous."
The AM Show put Richardson's claim to the test by asking the public: Who is cuter - Mark Richardson or Mittens?
You can find out below.
