DAISY has really put the cat among the pigeons by showing off her skills catching balls, opening cat flaps and holding wine glasses.

The three-year-old stray was taken in by Mike Gale and fiancée Emma Wightman last year after they abopted her from the Blue Cross centre in Lewknor.

But it was only when they examined the vets’ reports that they realised Daisy was a genetic mutant who could mark the next stage of evolution for all cat-kind.

Unlike most cats, Daisy has opposable thumbs, allowing her to catch balls, tamper with cat flaps, and hold items like wine glasses or screwdrivers.

Her feats have helped her reach the final of a national competition run by Cravendale milk to find the country’s cleverest cat.

Mr Gale, 28, from The Grove, Abingdon, said: “We realised we could throw balls at her and she was able to catch them, and when we brought her home she was able to remove the cat flap.

“We gave her this treat ball, which has little pieces inside, and she picked it up and shook it so they all came out.

“We are convinced she was teaching the other neighbourhood cats to open up the bin bags.”

He added: “She is a ridulously affectionate cat. As soon as we saw her she jumped up on our laps and shoulders.”

Evolution experts say the development of fully opposable thumbs, giving the power of grip, was a key moment in giving humans power over other animals.

Cravendale has run TV adverts featuring its own thumbed-cat, Bertrum, using his special skills to get his hands on their milk.

Daisy is now in the final 12 cats that could win a year’s supply of milk, £1,000, and a special ‘kitty cam’ to attach to her collar so her owners can find out what she gets up to during the day.

Sadly, she won’t be able to pass on her talents to any kittens – she has been spayed.