Caring and inspirational cats crowned
This year’s Cats Protection National Cat Awards were held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic, so the celebrity judges and nominees all logged in via video link to celebrate their amazing cats.
The winners were chosen in the four categories: Most Caring Cat, Furr-ever Friends, Outstanding Rescue Cat, and PURINA Better Together — and then the overall Cat of the Year was chosen.
The winner of the Furr-ever Friends category Minty was named Cat of the Year for his incredible bond with his owner, six-year-old Connor Raven, who has severe learning difficulties and a range of medical conditions.
Nine-year-old Minty calms Connor during emotional meltdowns, provides companionship, and has even helped Connor learn to climb the stairs.
Judge Elizabeth Rizzini said: “I’m choosing Minty for his dedication to Connor, his best pal, and for not ever giving up on him. But it was a tough decision!”
The Most Caring Cat winner was Penelope Farthing for the incredible intuition she seems to have with her owner, 28-year-old Zoe Elliott. Zoe suffers from a range of medical issues which mean Zoe is prone to breaking or dislocating bones and suffers seizures. Thankfully, help is at hand in the form of Penelope Farthing who senses when Zoe is about to have a seizure and raises the alarm.
Actress Tuppence Middleton, who judged the category, said: “I was really touched by Zoe’s story and moved by how much Penelope helps Zoe every day of her life, and I feel that she is a very deserving winner for this category.”
One-eyed Mikey was the Outstanding Rescue Cat who provided incredible support for his owner Jessica after her baby boy was stillborn. With partner Connor required to return to his Army posting shortly after, Jessica began to shut herself off from family and friends. Then a friend telephoned and mentioned a former stray cat in need of a home.
Life on the streets had been hard for Mikey and he had needed an eye removed, but immediately, Jessica and Mikey formed a close bond and eased each other’s pain and in time, Jessica started to venture out of the house again. Four years on, Jessica and Connor now have another addition to their family — a son named Jenson.
Jessica said: “My cat is my life-changing charm. We found each other at the perfect time of our lives. He brings nothing but pure love. Our bond is so strong and he knows when I’m feeling down as he will follow me all the time, showing his love. Mikey really is the best cat in the world to me.”
The Purina Better Together award winner was chosen by a public vote, with Boris named the winner. When 80-year-old Alex Tullis suffered a stroke in 2015, it was the thought of being reunited with Boris that kept him going during three months of hospital treatment. So, when Boris was hit by a car, Alex was determined he should
get everything he needed to recover. With Alex now confined to bed, Boris is a constant source of comfort and companionship.
Alex’s daughter Caroline said: “Boris is my dad’s best friend and companion, and he gives us both an abundance of affection and laughs. Dad’s face lights up when he knows that he is on his bed. Without a doubt, they are both survivors who have a special bond that keeps each other going.”