A mum has married her cat in a bizarre bid to stop landlords forcing her to give up the beloved pet. Deborah Hodge, 49, says she has already been made to rehome three animals over the years by landlords who refuse to allow pets in their properties.
Terrified of losing her precious cat India, the mum-of-two has now married her feline friend in a civil ceremony, presided over by a legally ordained pal. Decked out in a tuxedo, the single mum tied the knot with her moggy last month.
The five-year-old cat, who was draped in gold lamé for the special day, meowed her way through her vows as Deborah's friends watched on in a park in south-east London. Deborah, an unemployed mum from Bolton who now lives in the capital, hopes their commitment will show landlords just how important it is for them to stay together.
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Deborah said: "I had nothing to lose and everything to gain so I married my cat. I recited vows under the universe that no man will ever tear myself and India apart.
"I set out my intention that I would never be separated from the animal I adore. I can't be without India. She is truly a sensation, she is so friendly and amazing.
"She is fundamentally the most important thing in my life after my children. By marrying India, I need any future landlords to know that we come as a package and we cannot be separated under any circumstances as she is as important to me as the children.
"I refuse to be parted with her. I'd rather live on the streets than be without her."
While living in a previous property, Deborah claims she was forced to give up her two huskies, Siri and Starshine, after her landlord threatened her with eviction if she kept them. Moving to her current home five years ago, she was devastated when her new landlord supposedly instructed her to give up her cat, Jamal, or be evicted.
Deborah said: "It absolutely broke my heart. Your pets become part of your family and it was just absolutely devastating having to say goodbye to them."
Desperately missing having a furry friend in her life, Deborah begged to be allowed to have another cat and after countless emails, her landlord relented. Black and white cat India joined Deborah and her two children in 2017 and quickly became a beloved member of the family.
After being hit by a car in 2020, poor India lost a leg and now can often be seen perched on Deborah's shoulder or carried in her arms during trips to the beach. Sadly, Deborah lost her job as a life coach on March 17 and now fears she could be evicted if she cannot meet her next rent payment, due May 1.
Facing the prospect of trying to find a new home, Deborah decided to marry India in the hopes it would show future landlords that the pair cannot be separated. Surrounded by friends, Deborah and India wed in a civil ceremony officiated by her friend who is legally ordained for weddings.
Deborah wore a tuxedo whilst India donned a bow tie, cape and gold lamé for their special day and the newlyweds celebrated with their wedding guests by having a picnic in the sunshine. Deborah said: "I'm on my last pennies, I have nothing to lose and everything to gain, so I married my cat!
"I'm terrified of losing India. I can barely leave my house with anxiety over what the future holds and I'm just desperate not to lose my cat.
"By marrying India, I need any future landlords to know that we come as a package and we cannot be separated under any circumstances as she is as important to me as the children. Although some might think it a stupid idea, I wanted to be able to show physically, by holding the ceremony in front of my friends even though they thought I was bonkers that I am very serious.
"I had a group of friends there for the ceremony - they all think I've gone batsh*t crazy but we all had a lovely day. My kids weren't there on the day, they just think that Mummy has lost the plot.
"We lost Siri and Starshine and then Jamal and I do not want to lose another beloved pet. I vowed in sickness and in health, in death do us part, and I meant it.
"I don't believe in organised religion, however, I do have faith. India always came back, even after losing a leg. I am her universe and that is why I married her."
