Austin cat looking to become America’s Favorite Pet 2023

(ABC 6 News) – A black and white tuxedo cat from Austin, named Zip, is looking to become America’s Favorite pet in 2023.

Zip, is currently in second place in the 2023 America’s Favorite Pet contest. What makes zip unique is that he has 3 toes on his front left paw.

On Dec. 29, 2022, Zip’s owners, Stan and Faye Rudsenske, were notified that Zip had been hand-selected to compete for $5,000 and an advertorial feature in the pages of Catster Magazine.

Since then, he has gone through a series of eliminations from top 20, top 15, top 10 and now top 5.

‘Well I think it would be an honor not only for Austin and the cat, but for the state of Minnesota to be represented nationwide. I think that would be pretty cool,” Zip’s owner, Faye Rudsenske said.

The annual contest partners with PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society) to aid in its mission to help cats, dogs, and wild animals thrive in happy, healthy homes or in their natural habitats.

Free votes are accepted every 24 hours and anyone wishing to donate will receive additional votes but is not required. Voting can be done at https://americasfavpet.com/2023/zip-c2ee until Feb. 23 at 9 p.m.

The owners are hoping that everyone will pitch in and help Zip win and make Austin the home of the 2023 America’s Favorite Pet.