Outrage in Milton Keynes town as Frank the famous Sainsbury's cat is 'forcibly evicted' from the store he adores

Frank the famous Sainsbury’s cat took up daily residence outside the store’s entrance several years ago, despite having a loving home.

He spent his time greeting shoppers or snoozing in the special sheltered wooden house built for him outside the store.

The fluffy Maine Coon/Ragdoll cross, who is the ripe old age of 15, soon became such a celebrity that people from outside the area would travel to the store simply to meet him. His Facebook page Frank the Olney cat gathered thousands of followers.

But this month Sainsbury’s bosses had a sudden change of heart. They went from welcoming Frank with open arms to banning him completely and even taking away his house and blankets. And his owner was given a stern warning to keep him away from the premises.

She wrote on the Facebook page: "After many years of loyal service, Frank has been forcibly evicted from Sainsbury’s and has received a life ban from the premises.”

The post prompted hundreds of angry comments, with many Frank fans threatening to boycott Sainsbury’s and shop at the nearby Aldi instead.

Others suggested a protest outside the store, with shoppers standing in the entrance sporting their specially-made Frank the cat hessian shopping bags that were made by a local craftswoman and sold like hot cakes.

"I only shop there to see him. He makes my day,” said one shopper.

"He was the best advert they had,” said another. “Sainsbury’s has lost its star attraction. Aldi must be clapping their hands.”

Others have suggested a blue plaque be erected at Sainsbury’s, saying: “Frank the Olney Cat lived here from until March 2026. Enriched the lives of his many followers”.

The Citizen contact Sainsbury’s head office to ask the reason for the sudden ban. A spokesperson told us: “While we understand that Frank is much‑loved locally, as a food retailer we have to follow certain hygiene rules, which means we can’t allow untrained animals inside food areas.

"Frank has been coming into our Olney store more often recently, so the team needed to act to maintain those standards. Keeping him outside also helps make sure he stays safe around delivery vehicles and the equipment we use throughout the day.”

They added: “We hope our customers understand why this decision has been made.”

This week Frank is still coming to terms with his ‘house arrest’. Because he is such an outdoor cat and yowls until he is allowed out of the house, his owner has bought a special cat house for him to use in the garden when the indoor lifestyle gets too much.

She dare not let him roam free for fear he will make his way straight back to Sainsbury’s and break his ban.

"He shall now live out the remainder of his long and illustrious life in a specially built catio in his PA’s garden. Ta ta for now Frank fans,” she said.