Words by Abi Scaife
Everyone loves a good, heartwarming story about animals, right? If that’s you, then look no further - because we have the tea on some of the best boys and girls in the world.
But these aren’t just the best cats as decided by their owners - these cats have a whole award to back it up.
The National Cat Awards are run by Cats Protection as a way of celebrating the furry, feline friends in our lives, especially those who go above and beyond to assist their underlings - er, owners.
JASPER AND WILLOW.
The most recent winner of the National Cat Awards, from 2022 is actually a twofer. Sibling duo Jasper and Willow were adopted from Cats Protection’s National Cat Adoption Centre, and now bring joy to people throughout their community.
Jasper and Willow spend their days at St Peter & St James Hospice, which provides end-of-life care and support to the local community across Mid Sussex.
The siblings are incredibly intuitive and support patients, as well as their friends and family, by blessing them with their fuzzy cuddles. Even the staff find comfort in Jasper and Willow on difficult days, saying just seeing them sitting in the corner is enough to give them a boost.
Thanks to their win, Jasper and Willow will share a trophy and a prize package which includes a £200 pet store voucher.
MARLEY.
Marley was the winner in the ‘Cat Colleagues’ cat-egory, which celebrates kitties who bring joy to the workplace, or make working from home feel a whole lot better.
Marley is now 11 years old, and his job at Apuldram Centre, in Chichester involves a very taxing itinerary of attending staff meetings, spending time with clients and, most importantly, scaring birds off the vegetable patch.
The Apuldram Centre is an independent charity for adults with learning disabilities that aims to help bring support to those who need it. Marley is a fan favourite with the clients at the Apuldram Centre, and they always go away happy after seeing him.
Marley also provides an incredibly soothing presence for those who are struggling and was a great comfort to the staff at the centre when things were much more difficult during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
MILO.
Eight-year-old Milo was a finalist for ‘Cat Colleagues’, but he is no less important at his workplace than any of the other cats on this list!
This marvellous moggy was nominated for the incredible work he does in Presentation Sisters Care Centre, Matlock.
Previously, Milo was a neighbourhood kitty who would make frequent visits to the Presentation Sisters Care Centre, to drop in on the staff and residents there. Even then, he would brighten their day and bring them comfort and was always ready for a fuss and a cuddle when the opportunity arose.
Since his owner moved away, Milo has become a permanent resident at the Presentation Sisters Care Centre and is now a huge part of daily life at the centre. He spends his time giving cuddles, putting a smile on everyone’s face and making the centre feel more homely for both staff and residents.
To enter a cat into 2023’s National Cat Awards, you can visit the Cats Protection website. Entries are open until Friday 24th February.
