Many federal Liberals are expressing concern about foreign interference in their upcoming leadership contest. But mischief-makers are presenting a different challenge: furry interference.

Liberal MPs spent much of Wednesday behind closed doors pressing for changes to leadership race rules, aiming to ensure only citizens and permanent residents can vote for the next Liberal leader. At present, a Liberal membership merely requires the interested party to be at least 14 years old. Citizenship or even permanent resident status is not required.