New animal actors attraction at the Harry Potter studios in Leavesden is the cat's whiskers

A selection of animals, trained by Julie Tottman, will revisit the incredible sets they frequented when working on the films.

Visitors to the Gryffindor common room set will find it occupied by a cat that played stealthy Mrs Norris, the toad that played Neville Longbottom’s pet Trevor and a number of rats – trained using the same process as those who played Ron Weasley’s pet Scabbers.

In addition to watching live training demonstrations, visitors will discover how animals learnt to ‘act’ by taking a look at the equipment and tricks that were used on set.

The ginger cat that played Hermione Granger’s bandy-legged feline Crookshanks will be seen on Diagon Alley, and a Neapolitan Mastiff, trained like those that played Hagrid’s loyal dog Fang, will be stationed outside the half-giant’s hut. Visitors will also be able to pose for a picture with the snowy owl who played Harry Potter’s letter-delivering owl Hedwig.

Here are a few interesting facts about the animals in the Harry Potter films that you may not have known:

• Three different dog breeds were initially considered to play Fang before the choice of Neapolitan Mastiff was made. Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound were the other options.
• Crackerjack, one of the cats that played Crookshanks, became very good friends with one of the rats that played Scabbers. In fact, he would often chase the rat around the sets even when the cameras weren’t rolling.
• Initial groundwork for animal training takes about three to five weeks; when a script first arrived, the animal department would begin fundamental training, develop questions and ideas about how the scenes would be shot and then work with the director to finalise training plans.

• Animal Actors is at Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, from February 14 to 24. Details: 08450 840 900, wbstudiotour.co.uk