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Winners revealed for National Cat Awards 2021
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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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.