‘Intuitive’ pet who ‘hears’ deaf owner named national cat of the year

An “intuitive” cat who helps her deaf owner by alerting her to sounds around the house has won a national award.

Zebi was called Cats Protection’s National Cat of the Year 2023 in recognition of how it supports owner Genevieve Moss, 66, by alerting her to sounds such as the phone ringing or a visitor at the door.

Mrs. Moss, of Chesterfield, Derbyshiresaid: “I’m so proud of Zebi for showing the world how intuitive and caring cats can be and the positive impact they can have on people’s lives.”

She outlined the ways in which he helps her, saying: “Without my hearing aid I can’t hear anything, but now Zebi helps me.

“He will come and knock on me when the phone rings and then I can put the hearing aid and the speaker on and take the call.

“At night, if there is an unusual noise, he will hit me on the head to wake me up and let me know.

“If someone is at the door, they will walk in front of me until I get the message.”

She continued: “He’s very helpful and likes to bring me things – he’ll take a post off the rug and pick it up in his mouth before throwing it in the bedroom.

“He even brings me my slippers when he finds them anywhere but my feet!”

Zebi beat thousands of other pets to win the country’s biggest cat festival, which was organized by animal protection charity Cats Protection.

Ms Moss said she “cannot imagine life without Zebi” and added: “I am delighted that he has been recognized at the National Cat Awards.

“Living alone and being deaf means life can be lonely, but not with Zebi around – he’s my hero.”

Zebby is one of four finalists for the National Cat Awards after winning the Family Fur-ever category in a public vote, which recognizes cats that make up a complete family.

The decision to name Zebi the overall winner was made by a panel of celebrities and experts, including a former footballer David Seaman and veterinarian and television host Dr. Scott Miller.

Cats Protection National Cat Awards organizer Ashley Fryer said: “From the moment we read his application we knew Zebby was something special.

“Zebi is clearly devoted to Genevieve, and their story highlights the strong bond that exists between people and their cats.”

Zebi was awarded a trophy and a prize pack which included a £200 pet shop voucher.

Previous winners were Jasper and Willow, who were jointly named National Cat of the Year 2022 in recognition of the companionship they offer at St Peter and St James Hospice in Haywards Heath, West Sussex.

In other categories, the Social Star award in 2023 went Ericwho went from being a homeless kitten to amassing several thousand followers on Instagram and TikTok.

Henry IX won the Feline Companions category, spending his days helping the team of gardeners at Hampton Court Palace in south-west London, while Willow took home the title in the Muggy Miracles category after raising the alarm when her diabetic owner lost unconsciousness.