Speedy, a tabby from Suffolk, England, helps her 19-year-old owner, Christine Payne, cope with epilepsy and progressive spinal ataxia by providing companionship and fetching small items when needed. This unique feline-human bond led to Speedy’s new status as Rescue Cat of the Year in this year’s Cat Protection’s Feline Oscars.
Judges of the contest, sponsored by Purina PetCare, were touched by how Speedy stays at Christine’s side at all times. Speedy also can sense Christine’s seizures and alerts her parents when they happen.
“Speedy’s love and compassion and deep appreciation of Christine’s difficulties are truly astonishing and should be duly rewarded,” said Brian Blessed, one of the celebrity judges of the Feline Oscars. “May this amazing relationship last forever.”
Other feline winners included:
- Felix, winner of the Ultimate Survivor category. Felix survived an accident with a combine harvester, and battled back after contracting the feline form of tetanus. He now lives in Brentwood, Essex.
- Kizzy, winner of the Best Friends category. Kizzy, from Sittingbourne, Kent, provides love and support to her 22-year-old owner, Anna Levermore, who has Aspergers Syndrome.
- Tabitha, winner of the Most Incredible Story category. This cat from Driffield, East Yorkshire, survived being trapped in the hardboard surround of a bathroom cupboard for 44 days.
- Struie and Meallie, winners of the Special Award. These two cats from Inverness have provided comfort to the parents of Rhoda McVey during the final years of their lives.