Claudia Schiffer has been criticised by a cat charity after the model and actress took her pet in a backpack animal carrier to a film premiere.
The German star, 53, appeared on the red carpet at the premiere of spy action film Argylle, which was created by her husband Matthew Vaughn.
The cat, called Chip, who also stars in the film, attended with her in an argyle-patterned backpack complete with air holes and a perspex dome.
Schiffer and Chip, who is technically owned by the model’s daughter Clementine, first posed for photographs on the red carpet before joining the cast inside for the premiere.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the charity Cats Protection said: "Thought the photos of Chip the cat in a bubble backpack on the red carpet at the Argylle premiere looked fun? Think again.
"It's extremely concerning to see a cat exposed to such a stressful environment while contained in an inappropriate carrier."
Thought the photos of Chip the cat in a bubble backpack on the red carpet at the #Argylle premiere looked fun? Think again.
— Cats Protection (@CatsProtection) January 25, 2024
It’s extremely concerning to see a cat exposed to such a stressful environment while contained in an inappropriate carrier.https://t.co/59nqfH142l
1/2 pic.twitter.com/DF5cNWMjZt
"Though some cats may appear to tolerate backpacks, the movement on a person's back is unpredictable and most lack adequate ventilation and space for the cat - leaving them cramped or uncomfortable," charity's head of clinical services Alison Richards continued in a length media statement.
"The large window in the bubble backpack featured also means cats don't have the option to hide when they feel anxious, leaving them feeling exposed and vulnerable."
Cats Protection also criticised the film for "glamorising" Chip's breed, the Scottish Fold, saying it is "a breed associated with serious health and welfare concerns." It said featuring the cat would likely: "Amplify the breed's popularity among potential cat owners".
The charity said it and others including Cats Care, RSPCA and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, have written to the Universal Pictures - which is behind the movie - urging the company to "consider the potential impact of Argylle on cat welfare and join the efforts to promote responsible pet ownership, prioritising the wellbeing of animals above entertainment value".
As well as Chip, the cast of the film - which was released in UK cinemas on Wednesday - includes Henry Cavill, Samuel L Jackson, John Cena, Bryan Cranston, and pop star Dua Lipa.
