Salisbury kitty wins Most Caring Cat prize

Friday, 6 August 2021 01:00

At Salisbury Radio we love our cats, especially our breakfast show host Craig Hicks, who brings kitty content to the airwaves every weekday.

Now, it’s time to celebrate our feline friends in the National Cat Awards, and a cat from Shrewton is taking home the Most Caring Cat award.

From fun-loving cats 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.

Zoe's cat Penelope is this year's Most Caring Cat winner.

For Zoe, 28, everyday life is unpredictable, painful and frightening. She suffers from a range of complex medical issues including craniocervical instability and Ehlers–Danlos syndrome.

Her conditions mean that Zoe is barely able to hold her head up, and is prone to breaking or dislocating bones. Zoe also suffers terrifying seizures without warning.

Thankfully, Zoe’s caring kitty Penelope is always on hand to help. Penelope can sense when Zoe is about to have a seizure and raises the alarm.

“My seizures often come at night when I’m in bed and can often leave me with injuries. But Penelope sleeps with me, and when a seizure is about to start she will run and attract my mum’s attention so she can come and help me.

“She’s not really a vocal cat at any other time, the only time she meows is to get mum's attention,” explained Zoe.

After a seizure, Zoe can be left feeling weak and traumatised, but Penelope will sit with her to provide a comforting presence while she recovers.

As category winners, Zoe and Penelope 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.

Photo Credit: Cats Protection

More from Local News

Flock of lambs stolen from field in Berwick St John

Wiltshire Police are investigating the theft of 40 lambs from fields in Berwick St John and are appealing for public information.
Wiltshire Gambling Harms Awareness Week set to Launch

Wiltshire Gambling Harms Awareness Week will launch this October with a series of activities focused on increasing the understanding of support available and helping people recognise when gambling may be impacting an individual or family.
Crowds light up the night to raise £25k for Salisbury Hospice

On Saturday 19th September, the streets of Salisbury shone with sparkles and celebration as hundreds of walkers gathered at Five Rivers Leisure Centre for Salisbury Hospice Charity’s annual Midnight Walk – raising over £25,000 to support local people and their families.
Salisbury Cathedral is named the most ‘Instagrammable’ filming location in The Gentlemen

A new study reveals that Salisbury Cathedral is the most Instagrammable filming location in The Gentlemen.
Share your Salisbury Story for City’s 800th Anniversary Book

Salisbury City Council is inviting people with a connection to Salisbury to share their stories for a special book, The People’s Story, to mark Salisbury’s 800th anniversary.
Gallery: Sneak Peak At Rehearsals for Up Down Big Man

Photos from the rehearsal room reveal a first look at Up Down Big Man, a Myrtle Theatre Company and Wiltshire Creative production in association with The Wardrobe Ensemble, with in kind support from Bristol Old Vic.
PCC urges public to report signs of organised crime in their communities

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson is urging residents across Wiltshire and Swindon to report information that could help tackle organised crime and protect vulnerable people from exploitation.
New campaign asks people who smoke in Wiltshire: “What Will You Miss?”

Regional campaign launches with 100 days to go until the UK's first smoke-free generation reaches adulthood.