Pictured: Minty and Connor Raven.
Nine-year-old Minty has been awarded the title of National Cat of the Year.
The winners of the 2021 National Cat Awards have been revealed, with a three-legged cat taking the top award of National Cat of the Year.
Nine-year-old Minty, from Holywell in Wales, has been named National Cat of the Year due to his support of Connor Raven, who has severe learning difficulties and a range of medical conditions.
Minty was nominated for the award because of his devoted care of Connor, despite the fact that Minty only has three legs after a road accident. Minty helps to keep Connor settled at mealtimes, calms him down at bedtime, and cuddle up to Connor to provide comfort when Connor is experiencing an emotional meltdown.
National Cat Awards 2021 panel judge and comedian commented on why she chose Minty: “I’m choosing Minty for his dedication to Connor his best pal and for not ever giving up on him. But it was a tough decision!”
Kate Bunting, from Cats Protection, who organised the awards, added: “Minty is an incredible cat and a very deserving winner of the National Cat of the Year.
“He goes to show the life-changing and incredible bond which can be shared between children and cats. Minty has never let his own challenges stand in his way, and his zest for life is clear to see.”
Connor's mum and Minty's owner, Siobhan Cobb, commented on Minty's award: “I’m over the moon that Minty has been recognised for the special cat that he is. He is a huge part of our family unit and it is lovely to share the unique bond the boys have.
“Minty demonstrates how clever, affectionate and dependable cats can be. We can always rely on him to make everything better, and he is the best friend that Connor needs and deserves.”
The winners of the other award categories include Penelope Farthing from Shrewton, who won Most Caring Cat. Penelope helps her owner, Zoe Elliot, by sensing when Zoe will have a seizure, and makes her aware of it.
One-eyed Mikey from Southend-on-Sea won the award for Outstanding Rescue Cat, owing to the comfort he brought his owner Jessica Barnard when she suffered a stillbirth with her son. Nursing Mikey back to health helped to ease Jessica's pain, and together they helped one another to recover.
The Purina Better Together Award was given to a ginger cat named Boris, from Blackheath. When Boris' owner Alex Tullis experienced a stroke in 2015, the thought of being back with Boris helped to sustain him throughout his three months of hospital treatment.
Boris was then hit by a car, but he recovered, and he and Alex spend their time comforting one another. Now that Alex is confined to bed, Boris provides constant companionship, and the two are said to be best friends.
To find out more about the finalists in the 2021 National Cat Awards, visit https://www.cats.org.uk
Image (C) Fabio De Paola
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