Cat token to replace iron after vote by Monopoly game fans

NEW YORK (REUTERS) - Monopoly fans have voted to make a cat the newest token in the popular board game, replacing the not-so-hot iron, toymaker Hasbro Inc said on Wednesday.

After a month-long online vote in 185 countries, the iron was ousted by the cat, which will become the newest token in the classic game after winning 31 per cent of the vote.

"While we're a bit sad to see the iron go, the cat token is a fantastic choice by the fans and we have no doubt it will become just as iconic as the original tokens," Mr Eric Nyman, senior vice-president and global brand leader for Hasbro Gaming, said in a statement.

With just 8 per cent of the vote, the iron was the least popular of the eight tokens that also include the race car, top hat, wheelbarrow, battleship, shoe, thimble and Scottie dog.