One customer tried to get a TESCO supermarket cat evicted. The community rallied to restore 'Freddie'

Freddie was harmless. As an unofficial ambassador of the store, he just napped and lazed around in a cardboard box, guarding people’s mobility scooters and greeting them as they entered. His very presence was enough to fill the visitors with infectious energy, turning their typical shopping spree into a memorable experience. In the seaside town of Skegness, England, Freddie had become a local celebrity, and as it happens with celebrities, one angry slanderer filed a false complaint against him in March 2026.

As the rumor was registered, Freddie was banned from entering the Tesco store. His box, bed, and blanket were ruthlessly abolished from the foyer, and suddenly, the daily rhythm of visitors in the store became bleak and dull. On March 17, Facebook saw a riotous uproar erupt among the residents, who filed a petition for the store management to bring back Freddie to the spot that couldn’t belong to anyone but him.

For several years, the four-year-old, brown tabby cat drew people and admirers into the store with his charm, endearing personality, and positive attitude. His presence at the entrance converted more and more locals, and perhaps even non-locals, into devoted Tesco shoppers. Recently, however, a customer reported some hygiene and rodent issues, which prompted the store owners to impose a ban on him. Visitors were left sad and disappointed. Rumors circulated that Tesco would suffer a loss of trade and public sympathy if they did not reinstate Freddie.  

The ban prompted the launch of a petition on Change.org, urging the store managers to reconsider. “Save Freddie: let him back in Skegness Tesco,” the title reads. A meeting was proposed between the store management and the community to discuss possibilities and options that would allow the adorable kitty to return. Adjustments like scheduled visit times were put forward to make his presence welcomed, available, and manageable.

“Banning Freddie from Skegness Tesco has not only saddened his fans but has deprived the community of a figure who brings so much love and joy,” the petition states. “Considering the widespread affection and happiness he generates, it's of paramount importance to reassess the decision and to recognize the value that Freddie contributes to our local Tesco and beyond.” Until now, the petition has been signed by 6,428 people and counting.

In the meantime, residents and community members flooded the comments section with fuming and desperate remarks for the store to consider and bring back their beloved cat. “Let the cute little moggy back in Tesco,” one said. Another one suggested that store members hang a “Welcome back Freddie” banner. Dakota, a resident of Australia, wrote, “I can see all of the joy he brings to people who visit him, and I’m sure it brings more revenue to Tesco. I would be heartbroken to hear that he is banned.” Allison rebelliously said, “He has done no harm for several years, only brought lots of happiness to hundreds of people.” 

Having met with such a backlash, a Tesco spokesperson clarified that “Freddie is very much part of the community at our Skegness superstore and we know how fond customers and colleagues are of him,” per Lincolnshire Live. However, as a responsible food retailer, it is essential for them to prioritize food safety and public health. "For these reasons, we ask customers not to bring Freddie inside the main store, and colleagues will gently guide him back outside if he does wander in,” they wrote. As of April 2026, justice has prevailed. Freddie has gotten back the job position he truly deserved, per Cheezburger. Thanks to thousands of fans, he is now back at the Tesco entrance, sitting around in his box, mesmerizing visitors all the way.

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