As Democrats get ready to nominate their candidate, a new contender for the presidency is stepping into the race — paw first.

The Cat in the Hat announced his candidacy in Springfield, Massachusetts, on the steps of the boyhood home of his creator and children’s book author, Theodor Geisel. With a nod to Dr. Seuss, Springfield City Council President Michael Fenton introduced the candidate.

“A most certainly wonderful political cat, a dynamic fellow who is known for his hat,” recited Fenton “Who has been such a fabulous, first son for our big, little city and who would never forgive me if I called him a kitty.”

Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, told a group of kids wearing red, white and blue stovepipe hats, that the Cat wants to make sure children’s voices are heard.

“The Cat in the Hat will show kids that every vote counts and every voice matters,” said Brandt.

“He’s naked!” a little boy called out.

“Well, he’s not really naked,” Brandt said. “He’s wearing a vest. He understands that kids are intelligent, imaginative and they possess the power to positively impact our country and our world.”

The announcement coincides with the launch of a Seuss-inspired children’s book on elections: “One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote.”

But the book of the day in Springfield was still “The Cat in the Hat” — that quintessential tale that begins with a sister and brother sitting at home, bored on a rainy day.

And then

Something went BUMP!

How that bump made us jump!”

But no, it was not Donald Trump, says Susan Brandt, who is keeping politics out of it.

“The Cat neither endorses or condones any candidate,” said Brandt. “He’s an independent.”

As the crowd chanted “Cat, Cat, Cat!” Brandt invited the children to get a picture taken with the candidate.

After a few photos, the Cat, flanked by his two vice presidential picks, Thing One and Thing Two, climbed into a motorcade and took off for the Springfield Museums.