Meet the Award-Winning Cat Who Hears for His Owner
Zebby, a two-year-old black and white cat looks like an ordinary pet but he is anything but. He was just awarded UK’s Cat of the Year in the National Cat Awards for helping his deaf owner hear.
The self-taught support cat from Chesterfield, England who helps his owner Genevieve Moss, 66, was chosen over thousands of other pets, according to The BBC. The event was organized by Cats Protection, a local feline charity and held at the Wilton’s Music Hall in London.
Cats Protection helps an average of 157,000 cats and kittens a year, according to the organization, with 210 volunteer-led branches and 34 adoption centers around the UK.
About the award
Zebby was one of four finalists in the Family-Fur-Ever category and won paws down after a vote from the public. He was then selected to be the Cat of the Year from a panel of celebrities and experts.
“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, Moss said in a press release from Cat Protection.” I can’t imagine life without Zebby and I’m over the moon that he’s been honored 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.”
Support hearing cat
Zebby aids his owner by alerting her to noises like the phone ringing or the doorbell by coming over and tapping Moss and pacing in front of her until she responds. This is something that she especially needs at night when she removes her hearing aid, according to the press release.
“He is very helpful and likes to bring me things – he’ll get the post from the doormat and pick it up in his mouth before dropping it in the bedroom. He even brings me my slippers if he finds them somewhere other than my feet,” Moss said.
Zebby was a clear winner
While nothing is a sure bet, Zebby’s care of his owner set him apart from the rest. “From the moment we read his entry form, we knew Zebby was something special, the Cat Protection awards organizer Ashley Fryer said.
“Zebby is clearly devoted to Genevieve, and their story highlights the powerful bond that exists between people and their cats.”
In honor of his big win, Zebby was awarded a trophy and a pet food voucher, reported BBC. But this hero cat is worth so much more than just kibble and cat nip. He is a shining example of the comfort a pet can bring.
