HANNAH Chapman doesn’t have a celebrity-style dog or cat – she has a skunk called Ichi.

The 23-year-old travelled more than 300 miles from Aberdeen to North Yorkshire to collect her unusual pet.

Since arriving in the city, Ichi’s created a stir.

Hannah, of Rosemount, said: “I take her out on a lead so I do get a lot of funny looks.

“People come up saying what kind of cat is that? Is it a ferret and oh, that’s a funny looking dog.”

The mammals are well known for their ability to let off a strong-smelling odour – such as the cartoon character Pepe Le Pew. But not Ichi.

Hannah said: “She was de-scented a year ago so I have no problem.

“Skunks actually only spray when they fear something because they are a one-person pet.”

Hannah said her new pet is a lot of work. She said: “Ichi is like a mix between a cat, dog and a toddler.

“My friend in England has seven skunks so I became interested.”

Skunks can cost up to £850 – Ichi was £700.

But Hannah said: “I’m enjoying having her around. She’s worth the effort.”

sdurno@ajl.co.uk

Do you have a more unusual pet than Hannah’s skunk? Leave a comment on this page.