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Cat Who Helps Boy with Selective Mutism Wins National Cat Award

By: Author Grace Sydney

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A compassionate cat with the ability to touch the heart of a boy living with the isolating condition of Selective Mutism has also touched the collective heart of animal lovers at the Cats Protection National Cat Awards.

Presented at London’s prestigious Savoy Hotel on August 16th, accolades were given in the categories of Hero Cat, Most Incredible Story, Outstanding Rescue Cat, Celebrity Cat and Best Friends– the title which led two-year-old Jessi-Cat to be proclaimed the evening’s overall winner.

The purring pal who prompted seven-year-old Lorcan Dillon to express his emotions and find the courage to say “I love you” was honored with love from the awards presentation in the form of prizes including a star-shaped trophy, three months supply of cat food, a year’s supply of Verdo Cat Litter and a framed photo of her likeness.

Former keyboardist for the iconic progressive rock band YES and longtime Cats Protection supporter Rick Wakeman was the celebrity judge who selected Jessi-Cat as the recipient of the initial Best Friends award. “All three cats have been a huge support to their owners, but Jessi-Cat is my winner. The bond between Jessi-Cat and Lorcan is incredible and it has clearly had a hugely positive impact on Lorcan’s home and school life. Jessi-Cat helps Lorcan to communicate and express emotions that ordinarily Lorcan wouldn’t be able to do.”

Model Lucy Pinder, comedian Ed Byrne and former BBC newscaster Jan Leeming also stepped into the roles of judges for the awards, which are presented every other year by Cats Protection, the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, which provides comfort and care to approximately 230,000 cats and kittens annually at the organization’s homing center, 29 adoption centers and 250 volunteer-operated branches.

For more information regarding Cats Protection:

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