A cat from Blackheath who became the motivation for his owner to return home after a major stroke has won a prestigious award at the National Cat Awards 2021.
Boris was chosen in a public vote as the winner of the Purina Better Together category, celebrating the special bond between owners and their cats which has transformed both their lives.
Boris was honoured in recognition of the special bond he shares with owner Alex Tullis, 80. Alex suffered a major stroke in 2015, but was determined to overcome the challenges to return home to Boris. And when Boris was later hit by a car, Alex was just as determined to make sure he got all the help he needed to recover.
Alex’s daughter Caroline Epps said: “Boris is a wonderful cat and is a shining example of what an incredible support cats can be for older people. Not only has he been there as a comforting and constant companion, he has also given my Dad something to focus on when things have been hard.
“I really hope that their story will help more people value how important cats can be for older people. Dad has never felt lonely when he has Boris by his side, and it’s a great comfort to me to know he has a faithful friend. You only have to spend a few minutes with them to see the massive impact he has had on my dad’s health and wellbeing.”
Boris’s win was revealed by businesswoman and animal champion Deborah Meaden. She said: “Humans are definitely better with their pets, I couldn’t imagine life without my cats.”
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.
The owners of Boris and three other category winners will now face a nail-biting wait until August 12 when the overall National Cat of the Year will be announced. The winner will be selected by a celebrity panel made up of 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.
Cats Protection’s awards organiser Kate Bunting said: “No-one can fail to be moved by the incredible bond between Boris and Alex. Their loyalty and devotion to each other has given them both great comfort and a determination to get through whatever challenges they face. Their story really does go to show how life-changing the bond between cats and people can be.”
Calum Macrae, Regional Director UK & Ireland at Purina, said: “At Purina, we are passionate about enriching the pet-human bond, so it’s been a real joy to hear Alex and Boris’s story. Their companionship and care for each other has clearly enhanced both their lives and is a reminder of the incredibly positive impact cats can have on people’s lives – and vice versa. We’ve been delighted to once again support the National Cat Awards and be part of this wonderful celebration of everything we love about cats.”
The National Cat of the Year will be announced on Cats Protection’s Facebook page on Thursday 12 August. To find out more, visit www.facebook.com/catsprotection/
Cats Protection is the UK’s largest cat charity, helping around 200,000 cats every year through a network of 37 centres and around 210 volunteer-run branches.
