A marvellous moggy from Blackheath has been chosen to go through to next week’s final of the National Cat Awards 2021.
The UK’s biggest celebration of pet cats will see Boris, of Blackheath, go head to head with three other contenders.
The four beat off stiff competition to win their respective categories, selected by celebrity judges Bob Mortimer, Russell Kane, Tuppence Middleton, and a public vote announced by Deborah Meaden.
Boris was nominated for the Cat Protection's National Cat Awards 2021 for him and his owner Alex Tullis’ motivational story which saw him recover and return home after suffering a catastrophic stroke in 2015.
After three months in hospital and although still severely disabled, owner Alex Tullis was discharged and reunited with his pet.
Just months later the cat was then hit by a car, but eight-year-old Boris and 80-year-old owner Alex both pulled through.
Alex’s daughter Caroline Epps explained: “When Dad was in hospital, he talked all the time about Boris to the nurses and was determined to be reunited with him.
"It was wonderful to get Dad home and see his face light up when he saw Boris.
“So when a few months later Boris was hit by a car, Dad wouldn’t give up on him. He made sure Boris got all the treatment he needed.
"Although Boris lost an eye and developed epilepsy, he was soon back at Dad’s side.
“Dad is now confined to bed, and Boris is wonderful company for him. He provides so much comfort and companionship and brings great joy into Dad’s life.
"They make a great pair, and it’s lovely to see them together.”
Cats Protection’s awards organiser Kate Bunting said: “Alex and Boris have a wonderful bond, and it’s incredibly touching to hear how the thought of returning to Boris kept Alex going after his stroke.
"After everything they’ve been though, it’s great to know that they have each other for comfort and companionship.”
The other contenders are:
- Three-legged puss Minty, of Holywell, Wales, who helps six-year-old Connor Raven cope with severe learning difficulties and medical conditions.
• Loving rescue cat Mikey, of Southend-on-Sea, Essex, who helped his owner cope after her baby was stillborn.
• Caring Penelope Farthing, of Shrewton, Salisbury, who senses when her owner is about to suffer a debilitating seizure.
A panel of seven celebrity judges now have the difficult job in choosing which cat will be crowned the National Cat of the Year – announced on August 12.
Judges include The Chase’s Jenny ‘The Vixen’ Ryan, BBC TV weather presenters Owain Wyn Evans and Elizabeth Rizzini, journalist Camilla Tominey, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Laura White and regular National Cat Awards judges, David and Frankie Seaman.
Kate added: “The National Cat Awards is all about celebrating everything we love about cats, from their fun-loving antics to the comfort and companionship they bring to so many people.
“Over the past 18 months, many of us have appreciated the presence of a pet cat in the home, so this year’s National Cat Awards is particularly special.
“Our final four cats have all made a huge impact on their owner’s lives and we know our judges are going to have a tricky job to select the overall winner.”
Cats Protection’s National Cat Awards, organised by the UK’s largest cat charity and sponsored by Purina, is the biggest celebration of the real-life stories of heroism, loyalty and companionship in the feline world.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event is being held online.
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