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Hearing cat crowned National Cat of the Year
Zebby and his owner Genevieve Moss.
Zebby helps his deaf owner around her home.

A cat who helps his deaf owner despite not having had any formal training has been named as National Cat of the Year 2023.

Zebby, who lives in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, with his owner Genevieve Moss was announced as the winner at the National Cat Awards at Wilton’s Music Hall in London on Monday, 17 July.

The hearing cat helps Ms Moss around the house by alerting her to sounds she can’t hear when she doesn’t have her hearing aid on. He taps her when the phone is ringing and paces about in front of her when someone is at the door.

After winning the public vote in the Family Fur-ever category, Zebby was chosen as the overall winner by a panel of veterinary experts and celebrities which included former England international footballer David Seaman and his wife Frankie Poultney.

The winners of three other categories were also announced at the ceremony, which was hosted by TV presenter Dawn O’Porter:
  • Social Star: Eric, who has gone from being a stray to become a rising star of Twitter and Instagram
  • Cat Colleagues: Henry IX, who provides companionship to the gardening team at Hampton Court Palace
  • Moggy Marvels: Willow, who fetched help when her diabetic owner lost consciousness.
After Zebby won his award, Ms Moss said: “I am so proud of Zebby for showing the world how intuitive and caring cats can be, and what a positive effect they can have on people’s lives. I can’t imagine life without Zebby and I’m over the moon that he’s been honoured in the National Cat Awards. Living on my own and being deaf means life could be lonely, but not with Zebby around – he’s my hero.”

The annual awards are run by animal-welfare charity Cats Protection.

National Cat Awards organiser Ashley Fryer added: “From the moment we read his entry form, we knew Zebby was something special. Zebby is clearly devoted to Genevieve, and their story highlights the powerful bond that exists between people and their cats. He’s a shining example of the joy and comfort a cat can bring.”


Image (C) Cats Protection

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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.