Southampton’s students’ union just voted a cat honorary president

SUSU have voted in favour of appointing its resident tabby cat, SUSU, to the position of honorary president.

In the AGM on Wednesday students voted overwhelming in favour of naming Susu to the role, with 176 voting for and only 86 against.

Susu the cat, famous for cuddling with freshers and sleeping on any available surface in the Union building, was taken in in 2002 as a skinny stray.

image via SUSU

The motion said Susu the cat “has made an outstanding contribution to the Union, by helping to enrich the lives of students”, and should be honoured as such.

Ben Franklin, co-President and spokesperson for Susu told The Tab “[She’s] thrilled, she’s been sitting looking ever so slightly more aloof than usual – the power has somehow made her more self aware that she’s kind of a big deal.”

The Union’s website reveals that “Porters took pity on her and fed her some scraps of food.

“Initially too timid to enter the building, her confidence grew and she’s been living in the Union ever since.”

Union President Ben Franklin wrote last year “She’s an independent feline who doesn’t rely on anyone for anything (except food, water and the occasional belly rub) – she is the world’s most aloof cat and if she lets you pet her, you are truly among a blessed number.”

Another highlight of Susu’s illustrious Union career was serving as Southampton’s mascot on University Challenge.