The Times has a small article today about the “First among felines”, which naturally caught my eye. It’s about the Cats Protection National Cat Awards 2024. The newspaper says that “A cat who helped trafficked women and a stray who calms pupils before exams are among the finalists…..”.
Cats Protection National Cat Awards 2024. Marley is a finalist. by Michael BroadAs far as I know, an application for these awards is still possible as the entry form is available on the Cat Protection website. You can go to that page by clicking on this link if you wish. I might be wrong.
This is a chance to celebrate the UK’s favourite cats. They can be family cats, incredible cats, senior cats and “connected cats” in the words of Cat Protection.
Marley provides comfort and hope to the guests at Caritas Bakhita House, a safehouse for women who have been enslaved, exploited and trafficked. “Often Marley placing a gentle paw on our guests’ legs is the first kindness they’ve experienced in years. He has this incredible gift of empathy, knowing instinctively who needs him.”
Cats Proection
This year there’s a cat called Marley who is a finalist. He is seven years of age. He lives at a safehouse in London for exploited and trafficked women.
In such a place, a domestic cat is going to be a wonderful addition because they can brighten up the place and make it more friendly. They can give the place a soul and some emotional warmth. It is a great idea to have Marley in this safehouse.
The newspaper says that “Often Marley placing a gentle paw on our guests’ legs is the first kindness they’ve experienced in years.” The words of Karen Anstiss, the head of the house.
2023
The BBC reports on the 2023 awards. They say that there are four competition categories: Family Furever, Cat Colleagues, Social Star and Moggy Marvels.
The winner of each of the individual categories as well as the overall National Cat of the Year will be chosen by a panel of judges.
Another good example of the type of cat that might be entered into these awards is Milo from 2023. He supports a family’s son who has autism. The mother said that “Milo is my son’s best friend, and they’re never far apart. The first thing he does when he comes home from school is find Milo.” Brilliant.
Companion animals are wonderful for artistic children. They bring the best out in kids. They are nonjudgemental and loving.
Another finalists from last year is ‘Jem’. She is the companion of diabetic teenager Jodie and is a lifesaver for her. She can sense when Jodie’s blood sugar is dangerously high or low and races to alert other members of the family by pacing around in front of them.
These are domestic cats who are more than companions and entertainers. They are working cats contributing the wellbeing of vulnerbable people. There is no better relationship between cat and person.
Here is a video from Cats Protection that will bring a tear to your eye.
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