The purrfect reward for our Sapphie

DAILY Express readers were among thousands of pet lovers who voted for their cat to be crowned the new “ambassador” for a food supplement.

Based on the curry spice turmeric, CurcuCat is said to improve life for older cats with joint issues.

Sapphie, an 18-year-old Ragdoll and Birman cross breed, has now been revealed as the winner.

The house cat has lived with Sharon and Gary Thorpe, from Frinton-on-Sea in Essex, since she was 12 weeks old.

The kitten was bought as a surprise for Sharon, a wealth planning director, 53, just before Christmas back in 2001.

Sharon said: “We are both animal lovers but Sapphie is my princess.

“Gary told me we were going out to collect a fishing rod and when we got to the lady’s house she said, ‘we will go and get your kitten’ and presented me with Sapphie. She is a beautiful cat.”

Sharon entered the competition after being alerted by her brother, who thought Sapphie would make an excellent candidate to represent the brand in national advertising, as she “loves to pose”.

Sharon said that Sapphie – despite turning 19 in October – “is still very playful and active for her age”.

Sharon hopes CurcuCat will help extend Sapphie’s life even longer, as she is a little bit deaf and has some kidney problems. She said: “She’s still very lively, her favourite game is playing with a ping pong ball in the bath.We are so delighted to win.”