Finalists announced in Cats Protection's National Cat Awards 2021

Finalists announced in Cats Protection's National Cat Awards 2021
 

 A line-up of fabulous felines has been announced as finalists in this year's National Cat Awards, the UK's celebration of everything we love about cats.

From fun-loving felines who help children face major challenges, to caring cats who provide comfort in times of need, the marvellous moggies are all in the running to be named Cats Protection's National Cat of the Year 2021.

This year's top cat will follow in the pawprints of previous winner Jeffree, a life-changing moggy from Coventry who helped teenager Finn Hackeson, who has Asperger syndrome, cope with the death of his father.

The finalists in this year's Awards include:

• Paddy, the ginger puss who spends his days comforting mourners at a burial ground before returning each evening to his owners.

• Minty, a three-legged cat who is a best friend to a six-year-old boy with severe learning difficulties and a range of medical conditions.

• Bruno, who was found abandoned in a cardboard box by a grieving couple and helped them cope with pain of losing their new-born daughter.

Cats Protection's National Cat Awards, organised by the UK's largest cat charity and sponsored by Purina, is normally an annual celebration of cats. With last year's event postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's awards will be hosted online.

Winners in three categories will be selected by celebrity judges - comedian Bob Mortimer, funnyman Russell Kane and actress Tuppence Middleton, while the fourth category will be announced by entrepreneur Deborah Meaden following a public vote.

After category winners are announced online on Thursday 5 August, an overall winner will be selected as National Cat of the Year by a celebrity panel and announced on Thursday 12 August.

Awards organiser Kate Bunting said: "Now more than ever, the nation's pet cats play a hugely important role in the lives of their owners – whether it's providing a soothing presence in worrying times, companionship for people living or working alone, or a fun and caring playmate for children. We are absolutely delighted to be returning with the National Cat Awards this year so we can share some of these inspirational, heart-warming and amazing stories from the cat world."

Winners in four categories - Most Caring Cat, Furr-ever Friends, Outstanding Rescue Cat and Purina Better Together - 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 Purina cat food.

Calum Macrae, Regional Director UK & Ireland at Purina, said: "The National Cat Awards is a wonderful celebration of everything we love about cats, in particular shining a spotlight on the incredible bond that can exist between pets and owners. At Purina, we're passionate about enriching the lives of pets and the people who love them, so we're thrilled to support the National Cat Awards once again this year.

"All the finalists are truly inspiring and go to show the hugely positive impact cats can have on people's lives, for all sorts of reasons. It's no wonder that cats have earned a special place in our hearts and homes."