Chi helps his owner Finley, who has autism, cope with everyday life.

Winners to be revealed at a star-studded ceremony in London

An intuitive puss who raised the alarm when his owner suffered a diabetic seizure and a loving moggie who helped his owner overcome serious mental health issues are among the finalists in the 2019 National Cat Awards.

Organised by Cats Protection, the National Cat Awards celebrate heroism, survival and companionship in the feline world. The finalists are all in the running to be crowned National Cat of the Year, which will be announced at a star-studded ceremony in London later this year.

Awards organiser Kate Bunting said: “From young children to pensioners, cats have a very special place in the hearts and homes of all sorts of people. The Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate everything we love about cats and the positive effect they have on our lives.”

The finalists in this year’s Awards include:
 
    •    Monty, the caring puss who helped young newly-weds cope with the final few months of a tragic battle with terminal cancer.
 
    •    Intuitive Walter, who raises the alarm when his owner suffers a diabetic seizure
 
    •    Jethro, who helped his owner overcome serious mental health issues to lead an independent life against the odds.
 
    •    Loving Chi, who helps an eight-year-old boy with autism cope with everyday life.
 
    •    Cisco, who has helped his 14-year-old owner cope with anxiety and move forward with life after being the victim of a mugging.
 
    •    Loyal Sparky, who helped her owner cope with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after she was blinded in one eye during a random attack.

The winners will be selected in five categories - Hero Cat, Most Caring Cat, Furr-Ever Friends, Outstanding Rescue Cat and PURINA Better Together - before one receives the top honour of National Cat of the Year 2019.

Taking place at London’s Savoy hotel on 8 August, the awards ceremony will be attended by entrepreneur Deborah Meaden, former England goalkeeper David Seaman and Dancing on Ice star Frankie Seaman.

Each winner will receive a trophy, a £100 pet store voucher, a year’s subscription to Cats Protection’s The Cat magazine and a three months’ supply of cat food.

Image (C) Cats Protection.