Is Saffron Walden feline rival to internet sensation Grumpy Cat?

Mash: Saffron Walden's Grumpy Cat (Image: Archant)

Annika Joy, 18, of Saffron Walden, spotted the moody feline when walking on Margaret Way and “just had to take a picture”.

She posted a snap of the pouty puss on Twitter saying: “Don’t go out into Saffron Walden alone guys because demon cat is out on the prowl.”

Internet celebrity Grumpy Cat, known for her permanently surly expression, shot to fame after an image was posted on social news website, Reddit, in 2012.

The crabby kitty has received more than seven million ‘likes’ on her Facebook page and has featured on the front pages of The Wall Street Journal and New York magazine.

Saffron Walden's Grumpy Cat (Image: Archant)

Now Saffron Walden has its own moody mog to take the internet by storm.

Despite a grumpy expression, the town’s downcast duplicate was more than happy to receive a stroke and a fuss when the Reporter visited Margaret Way to investigate.

The identity of the mystery feline was revealed when the Reporter was able contact his owner, Regan Clare, 25, of Margaret Way.

Saffron Walden’s very own Grumpy Cat is a three-year-old longhaired Persian called Mash, son of family pets Mau and Mimi.

Miss Clare said: “He really is a grumpy cat, but it has been so cute having him from a kitten until now.

“He is so grumpy. He never comes to you and he’s not very friendly but he does love to be brushed.”

This is not the first time Mash has made a splash online.

Miss Clare added: “I have posted pictures of him on Instagram and Facebook and people go nuts for it.

“Out of all our cats he gets the most appraisals. There’s something about him people want to capture.”

Do you have any grumpy pets? Send your pictures to georgia.hingston@archant.co.uk or tweet us at @swreporter24