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Cats Protection announces Alternative Cat Awards finalists
Charlie Roo, who has underdeveloped front legs, was the winner of the #PurrfectlyImperfect award.

Online awards celebrate feline companionship during lockdown

Cats Protection has revealed the five cats that will progress to the final of the Alternative Cat Awards, with the overall winner to be announced on Wednesday 24 September by comedian Bob Mortimer.

As a result of COVID-19 restrictions, the charity unfortunately had to postpone its annual National Cat Awards, and instead asked the public to send in videos showcasing the various ways in which their cats provided comfort and support during lockdown.

A group of celebrity judges then chose five category winners to go through a public vote for the ‘People’s Purrfect Choice’ award.

The finalists are:

  • One-year-old Norbert from Tewkesbury, who won the #PurinaPurrfectTeamwork award for demonstrating how ‘helpful’ our cats have been for those of us that were working from home during lockdown
  • Charlie Roo from Dumfries, who has underdeveloped front legs and won the #PurrfectlyImperfect category, which celebrates disabled cats living happy, healthy lives
  • Seven-year-old Sid from Baldock, who won the #MischeviousMoggy category by showing off his astounding acrobatic skills on his owner’s staircase
  • Winner of the #SeniorKitizen category - 21-year-old cat Cookie from Romford, who was clearly enjoying her retirement in a video submitted by her owner
  • Bean from Morely, who is four years old and won the #BestNewcomer category after her owner filmed her making the most of her new climbing tower.

The owner of the winning cat will be invited to attend the National Cat Awards, hosted by Cats Protection – in London at the Savoy Hotel on 5 August 2021.

Katy Geary, Cats Protection’s acting head of media relations, said: “During lockdown, we heard countless stories of how the nation’s pet cats were helping their owners during such unprecedented times. Whether it was providing a welcome distraction when we were all getting to grips with homeworking, being a companion to people living alone, or becoming a playmate for children missing their school friends, our pet cats have been an invaluable support to many of us.

“There can only be one winner, but our Alternative Cat Awards are all about celebrating everything we love about cats and the joy and laughter they bring to a home, especially in difficult times.”

To watch the finalists’ videos, please visit the Cats Protection blog.

Images (c) Cats Protection.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.