Time running out to vote in National Cat Awards

Katie Court — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 11:00:00 +0000

From sociable cats that spread cheer wherever they go, to caring cats who provide comfort in times of need, 11 marvellous moggies are in the running to be named Cats Protection's National Cat of the Year 2024.

Voting for the winners of each of four categories closes at midday on 30 August – then a panel of distinguished judges will choose the overall National Cat of the Year, to be announced at a ceremony hosted by best-selling author and television presenter Dawn O'Porter at London's One Marylebone on 18 September.

This year's top cat will follow in the pawprints of previous winner Zebby who was crowned National Cat of the Year 2023 in honour of the support he gives his deaf owner Genevieve Moss, alerting her to sounds around their home in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

Cats Protection's National Cat Awards, organised by the UK's largest feline welfare charity, recognises the incredible bond between cats and people, proving that life is better with cats. The four categories in the 2024 Awards are Connected Cats, Family Cats, Senior Cats and Incredible Cats. Now, cat lovers have until noon on 30 August to vote for their favourite finalist by visiting www.cats.org.uk/nca.

Finalists in this year's Awards include:

Marley – the fluffy heart of the home at a safehouse for women fleeing modern slavery.

Cilla – a stray who moved into a primary school, calming pupils before their SATs and raising £5,000 to restock the library. Cilla is looking forward to being reunited with all her friends when the schools go back in September.

Marmaduke – a big ginger softie, he helped his owner recover from the trauma of working as an emergency ambulance technician at the Manchester Arena on the night of the 2017 attack.

Seth – at 16 years old, this plucky pensioner refused to slow down when a vicious dog attack left him with a dislocated hip.

Self-confessed cat lady Dawn 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."

Cats Protection's Marketing and Income Generation Director Catherine Cottrell 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."

Category winners will each win a prize package of a trophy, a £200 pet store voucher and a year's subscription to Cats Protection's The Cat magazine, with the National Cat of the Year also receiving an overall winner trophy.

Entries closing for National Cat Awards

Jessica Curtis — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 20:00:00 +0000

Owners across the UK have under two weeks left to enter their extraordinary cat into this year’s National Cat Awards.

Run by the charity Cats Protection, the annual event celebrates the nation’s most marvellous moggies, with heartwarming tales of devotion, courage and companionship.

Owners have until noon on Tuesday 26 March to nominate their cat in one of four categories. Owners or colleagues can also nominate a veterinary professional who has provided exceptional care for a cat in the Vet of the Year category:

Family cats: For cats who make a family complete - whether it’s being there for companionship, providing comfort and support in tough times, or simply keeping everyone amused.

Incredible cats – From heroic cats who save the day to those who have done something truly extraordinary. They might have survived against the odds, returned home after an epic adventure or maybe even saved a life.

Senior cats: Celebrating cats over the age of 11, who might be thriving in their older years or simply enjoying the quieter side of life.

Connected cats: Recognising cats that make us smile. From well connected cats with their own social media following to those who pop up in the local community.

Vet of the Year 2024: For veterinary professionals who have provided outstanding cat care.

Cats Protection’s Marketing and Income Generation Director Catherine Cottrell said: “From heroic to heartwarming, we love hearing how cats have such a positive impact on people’s lives. With under two weeks left before entries close, we’re looking forward to hearing even more stories that we hope will inspire more people to adopt a rescue cat.”

Winners will be selected in a public vote and by a panel of judges before being announced during a ceremony in London on 18 September.

Author and journalist Dawn O’Porter hosted the event last year and will be returning.

“I’m thrilled to be back to present the Cats Protection National Cat Awards again this year, it’s the ultimate event for cat lovers,” she said. “It’s a chance to recognise the UK’s most extraordinary cats and celebrate the relationship with the cats in our lives, because they really do make life better and I’m definitely up for supporting that.”

The Cat of the Year 2024 will be selected from the four category winners. Last year’s winner was Zebby from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, who won the title National Cat of the Year in recognition of the support he gives to his deaf owner by alerting her to sounds and noises around the home.

To nominate your cat, or for further information about the National Cat Awards, visit www.cats.org.uk/national-cat-awards.

To find out more about adopting a cat from Cats Protection, visit www.cats.org.uk/adopt-a-cat

Your Pets Daily - National Cat Awards

Time running out to vote in National Cat Awards

Category

Tags

Entries closing for National Cat Awards

Category

Tags