National Cat Awards finalists announced
Marley lives in a home for women escaping modern slavery.
Cats Protection has revealed the finalists in its annual National Cat Awards competition.
Voting has already launched for the competition, with cat lovers having until 30 August to vote for their favourite finalists.
There are four categories in this year’s competition: Connected Cats, Family Cats, Senior Cats and Incredible Cats. The category winners and the overall National Cat of the Year, which is decided by a panel of judges, will be announced during a ceremony at London’s One Marylebone on 18 September.
There are 11 cats nominated for awards.
Among the nominees is Marley, who lives in a home for women escaping modern slavery. There is also Cilla, a stray who moved into a primary school, who calms pupils before their SATs and has raised £5,000 to restock the library.
Also in the running is Marmaduke. Marmaduke has been providing his owner with support as they recover from the trauma of working as an emergency ambulance technician at the Manchester Arena during the 2017 attack.
The category winners will be presented with a prize package which includes a trophy, a £200 pet store voucher and a year’s subscription to Cats Protection’s The Cat magazine.
The National Cat of the Year will also be presented with an overall winner trophy.
Last year’s National Cat of the Year was Zebby. Zebby was recognised for the support he gives his deaf owner, Genevieve Moss, by alerting her to noises around the home.
This year’s winners will be announced by Dawn O’Porter, a best-selling author and TV presenter.
Ms O’Porter said: “I’m so pleased to be back to present the National Cat Awards again this year, I love hearing the amazing stories about the nominated cats and learning how these incredible animals have made lives better for their families.
“It really is the ultimate event for cat people.”
Catherine Cottrell, marketing and income generation director from Cats Protection, said: “The National Cat Awards is an annual celebration of the nation’s love of cats and this year we received over 1,500 entries. Some of our finalists have shown incredible intuition in understanding their owners’ needs; others are total extroverts, becoming local celebrities.
“Then there are the plucky pusses like William, undaunted by losing a leg, and Miss Dave Mittens who is (nearly) as sprightly as a kitten at the grand old age of 21. The central message of all the stories is that cats are cherished family members who add so much love to their owners’ lives. I can’t wait to see who the public chooses as their winners.”
For a full list of finalists, and to vote for your favourite, visit the voting page.
Image © Cats Protection
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
