Rally Cat has become one of St. Louis’ biggest celebrities, so it’s no surprise folks from all over the region want to bring him into their home. After taking a stroll on the Busch Stadium outfield during a Cardinals-Royals game last week, the stray cat went missing again the following night. Thankfully, St. Louis Feral Cat Outreach soon found Rally Cat and have been taking care of him until the famous feline finds a new home.

On Wednesday, St. Louis Feral Cat Outreach released a statement, explaining that Rally (it’s his official name now) is in good health and a role model for cats all around the region. The organization also explained they’ve received tons of adoption inquiries, including one from the Cardinals, but have not yet decided on Rally’s new home:

“We’ve had thousands of inquiries from throughout the region, including many great organizations like the St Louis Cardinals, in addition to many cat loving individuals about adopting Rally. While only one can adopt Rally, rest assured we have a process in place, and will make sure he ends up in a great home in St. Louis for the rest of his life, and continues in a ‘paws-on’ role with the St Louis Feral Cat Outreach Organization, and most importantly, will be allowed to lead a happy and healthy life.”

Rally Cat will get to attend his official appreciation day at Busch Stadium on Sept. 10, as long he remains in good health and gains some weight. But whether he attends as an official member of the Cardinals or as someone’s pet remains to be seen.

The Cardinals made their own statement staking a claim to the cat and claiming St. Louis Feral Cat Outreach has already guaranteed custody. From the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

“The St. Louis Feral Cat Outreach organization has assured us they will be returning our cat to us after a mandatory 10-day quarantine period,” said Ron Watermon, the team’s vice president of communications.

[…]

“Rally Cat will be cared for by our team, making the Cardinals Clubhouse his home,” Watermon said. “Mike and our players are looking forward to loving and caring for him.”

The Cardinals clearly mean business here, as there’s no mistaking the term “our cat.” Rally Cat’s 10-day quarantine ends Monday, just in time for a Cardinals’ home stand.

[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]

About Jesse Kramer

Jesse is a writer and editor for The Comeback. He has also worked for SI.com and runs The Catch and Shoot, a college basketball website based in Chicago. He is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. Follow Jesse on Twitter @Jesse_Kramer.