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Finalists and winners of the 2010 Cats Protection Rescue Cat Awards
Best Friends Category Judge – Iain Lee Oscar
Lovely Oscar has transformed the lives of the elderly residents at the care home where he was adopted. Initially a stray, he was taken in by the owners who were desperate to improve the atmosphere for residents. Oscar settled in immediately, preferring to spend time indoors with the residents and made a huge impact to their quality of life. As the Cats Protection volunteer who rehomed him said: “For many people, going into care means giving up their pets. Having a resident cat has clearly given these people something extra in their lives.” Twinkle
When Hannah Conneely adopted tiny Twinkle, she had no idea what an impact the three-legged puss would have on her life. Having lost a leg in a road accident, the pint-sized puss helped Hannah cope with her marriage break-up and the prospect of bringing up her two children alone. But it was when Hannah was diagnosed with breast cancer that Twinkle really became a shining star. As Hannah says: “Whatever my future may hold, she is an inspiration to me and never leaves my side. Twinkle is the most lovable pet and my number one carer. Without her my outlook wouldn’t be quite as rosy.” Tillie
Loyal puss Tillie has proved to be a lifeline for the support she gives her owner Sara Griffiths. Sara has had to undergo two major operations for a benign inoperable brain tumour and as a result suffers severe headaches. But however tough things get, Tillie is at Sara’s side lending a comforting paw. Sara says: “I would be totally lost without my fluffy friend who is always there when I need her.” Sooty
If you were ill, what would help you make a recovery? For Dilys Fordham, 96, the answer is Sooty – her ever-loving black and white cat. Dilys has had several stays in hospital since adopting Sooty four years ago, and her loving cat is a constant support. When her family visits her in hospital Sooty comes along with them and he sits as near as possible to her when he senses she is in pain. Dilys also keeps a photo of Sooty by the side of her hospital bed and tells doctors, nurses and visitors that she has to get better so that she can go home and look after him. And the winner was… Oscar!
Most Incredible Story Category
Judge – Sarah-Jane Honeywell Marmite
During a difficult pregnancy, there was one thing that kept Lindsey Davies going – her pet cat Marmite. Suffering from serious conditions of pre-eclampsia and anaemia, Lindsey spent much of the pregnancy at home, with Marmite by her side. But it was when she suddenly went into labour that Marmite proved to be a real help. Alone in the house, Lindsey waited for two hours for her husband to return, but Marmite proved to be a vital support. She said: “As the contractions got stronger, Marmite stayed with me as my very comforting birthing partner until my partner arrived home.” When baby Ruby arrived later that day, Marmite was just as thrilled by the new arrival. Lindsey said: “He loves Ruby to bits, he is always guarding her and when she is crying he will even find me and meow to let me know!” Leo
It’s a good job cats have nine lives because lucky Leo, now aged 10, has been through his fair share. Abandoned at a week old, he was hand reared at a rescue centre. Since then he has survived a car accident, a fall from a tree, a snake bite and a fall into a trench of wet concrete. But his biggest battle came when he was diagnosed with diabetes. Despite daily insulin injections, Leo tolerates his treatment well and is a much loved family pet. Owner Theresa Palmer says: “Leo stops half way through his food, stands patiently while I inject him and then finishes his food!” Albert
When a bag was spotted on the Victoria Line tube in London, passengers immediately alerted train staff fearing it could be a bomb. On closer inspection and when a muffled miaow was heard, the bag was opened up and a frightened black and white cat stared back at them. The cat was taken to a local rescue centre where staff named him Albert because of the Victoria connection. They discovered he was missing a paw and a bit of his back leg but thankfully this didn’t appear to affect him so when Sian O’Shea heard about the little cat’s plight and fell in love with him, Albert was finally able to reach his purr-fect destination – a loving new home. Flip
Flip had always been an adventurous kitten but his love of car engines was his most worrying habit. One day he went missing and after six weeks of frantic searching, his owners got a call from a tyre warehouse 20 miles away. Apparently Flip had travelled all that way in the engine of a large van and been trapped in the warehouse, surviving by licking rainwater from the vehicles. He was finally discovered by a pest controller who’d been called in after Flip kept setting off the intruder alarm. Fortunately Flip was microchipped so was soon returned to his owners who say he’s learnt his lesson and has never been near a car engine again! And the winner was… Marmite! Marmite also went on to win overall rescue of the cat so big congratulations there. Hero Cat Category Judge – Lesley Joseph Tom
It was just another ordinary evening in Mary London’s house as she settled down on the sofa to watch television. Suddenly, she noticed her rescue cat Tom acting strangely – ears flat, back arched, fur raised and eyes like saucers. When he repeatedly started to pat Mary’s leg and run back and forth to the door, Mary decided to investigate. It wasn’t long before Mary found the source of Tom’s anxiety – an intruder was hiding in the study. Startled and afraid, Mary telephoned the police and the man fled. Mary said: “The police were full of praise for Tom’s actions and agreed he is a wonderful little cat because he could have saved my life.” Bomber
Brave Bomber proved to be a hero when he helped prevent a fire at owner Marilyn Haisman’s house. Diagnosed with FIV, Bomber was adopted as an indoor cat in 2006. Four years later, Marilyn had popped some heat pads in her microwave to warm Bomber’s bed. Having left the kitchen, she had no idea the pads had ignited in the microwave and were seconds away from causing a fire. Fortunately the alarm was raised when she noticed Bomber behaving strangely – running between her and the kitchen and “howling like a banshee”. Marilyn said: “I will never forget the day I believe Bomber’s actions prevented a fire and he became my hero”. Leoni
Feisty puss Leoni was dubbed the Neighbourhood Watch by police after she foiled a burglary at a neighbouring property. A true busybody, Leoni keeps a close eye on all the happenings in Coniston Way. So when she saw something strange going at 2am in the morning at a neighbour’s house, she couldn’t resist going to investigate. Unbeknown to the sleeping homeowners, burglars had entered the house and were loading a vehicle with valuables. Fortunately, Leoni was on the case. Slinking in through the forced-open front door, she marched upstairs meowing at the top of her voice. Having been woken by her yowls, the householder went to shoo her away. Refusing to be ignored, Leoni led the man downstairs where he discovered and confronted the burglars. He was so delighted with fearless Leoni’s public spirited actions, he showered her with cat treats as a thank-you gift. Bobby
When Lyn Stewart started slipping into trance-like states following a serious car accident in which she suffered a broken neck, it was her cat Bobby who came to her aid. Finding herself completely unable to move or even blink, Bobby appears close to her face and pats her mouth, which brings her out of her paralysis. Her condition is made worse if she lies on her back so Bobby cleverly places himself against her spine to stop her rolling over and even swaps sides when she changes position! Lyn also has to get up and walk around every three to four hours throughout the night to prevent seizing up in pain and Bobby ensures she wakes up on time by loudly plucking the mat next to the bed. Lyn says Bobby is her lifeline and could not imagine life without him. And the winner was… Bobby!
Purina Lifetime Achievement Award Category
Judge – Purina PetCare, represented by Liz Wood (Specialist Director) Scarf
Moggy Scarf is living proof of the remarkable bond between man and cat. As a young boy, Andy Taylor faced major problems with his family, leading him to go and live with his grandmother, who adopted Scarf to help him cope. Her plan worked and Scarf and Andy formed a unique bond which helped him deal with his tough upbring
ing. 13 years later, Andy has grown up yet still Scarf is by his side – a lifelong friend who has been there through thick and thin. Tess
Rescue cat Tess has proved to be a real lifeline to her owner Samantha Marshall since adopting her 10 years ago. Samantha suffers from a severe personality disorder which makes it difficult for her to form relationships and communicate with other people. But despite some of the bleakest moments in her life, she has found the strength to carry on through Tess. She says: “I know everyone thinks their cat is special and all cats are, but when that cat literally keeps you going day after day, and the strength and love you have for each other is the one constant thing in life when everything is turned upside down – well, that’s priceless and a gift I’m honoured to have.” Jasmine
Born in a barn 11 years ago, feral kitten Jasmine was either abandoned or orphaned and left to fend for herself. Fortunately, she was taken in by an animal sanctuary and rehomed to Jocelyn Trickett. With plenty of TLC, Jasmine was transformed from feisty and frightened feral into a loving and loyal pet. For Jocelyn, who is elderly and disabled, Jasmine’s remarkable turnaround has given her a lifelong friend and companion. Oscar
Oscar appeared at the home of Stuart Hartley’s mother one day – emaciated, in poor condition and missing his tail. Local children knew him as “Oscar who lives at the allotments”. Taking pity on the poor puss, Mrs Hartley took him in and nursed him back to health. A few years later, Mrs Hartley died but the companionship and love he showed her was so much that the priest paid tribute to him at her funeral. Following her death, Stuart adopted Oscar, and says not only is he a happy reminder of his mother, he is also a “daily delight”. He says: “Whilst sitting outside the front door, I hear a constant stream of “Hello Oscar” from passers-by”. And the winner was... Tess! Ultimate Survivor Category Judge – Emma Milne Nelson
Having survived as a stray during one of the hardest winters on record, elderly Nelson was close to death when he collapsed in Debra Tate’s garden. Emaciated, with just one eye, three teeth and a severe eye infection, Nelson was barely recognisable as a cat. Fortunately, Debra took pity on him and with the help of Cats Protection volunteers and veterinary staff he received some TLC for the first time in his life. Vets estimated Nelson to be in his mid-teens and said he was a truly remarkable cat to have survived his nomadic existence with his various disabilities in such a freezing winter. As Debra says: “He has no manners, runs off with your tea when your back is turned and will never be a cover model, but he’s our treasure.” Purrdy Poor Purrdy had a terrible start to life when she failed to meet the standards of an unscrupulous cat breeder. Thrown in a caravan along with 50 other “rejects” she was fed cheap dog food and deprived of human love and a normal life. Eventually the caravan was discovered by animal welfare workers who said it was one of the worst cases of cruelty they had ever seen. Sadly, many of the other cats were so ill they had to be put to sleep. Fortunately, with plenty of TLC, Purrdy pulled through and whilst still very shy, she is finally enjoying the happy life she deserves. Willow
Nine-month-old Willow was in a sorry state when he was brought into a local vet surgery, suffering from dehydration and bouts of vomiting. He was painfully thin and running a high temperature and staff knew they needed to find out what was wrong – and fast. On investigation, Willow was found to have a loop of tough cotton embedded in the flesh under his tongue, which trailed off down his throat. After five hours of surgery that involved making six incisions in his stomach and intestines, the vet managed to remove many feet of tangled thread. It had been embedded in the lining of his gut, had been tightening with each gut contraction and would have been fatal if left much longer. Thankfully, Willow made a good recovery and even managed to steal the heart of vet nurse Deborah who was only too happy to take him home with her. Rambo
If surviving well into old age is a sign of good living, Rambo must be enjoying a truly wonderful life! Originally adopted by owner Irene Gray back in 1987 when he was four, Rambo is now the ripe old age of 27 – a staggering 124 in cat years. Despite starting to lose his sight and hearing, Rambo is still active and Irene says he may even be the oldest cat in Britain! And my winner was… Purrdy. I picked Purrdy because although all the cats had been through a tremendous ordeal I felt that Purrdy had suffered not only awful physical suffering but, having been crammed in with so many feline threats, would also have suffered untold psychological suffering too. It was a very very hard choice as I’m sure you can see from the stories. But well done to all concerned and to Cats Protection for a great event.
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