Helping cat who ‘hears’ for deaf owner wins national award. A cat who alerts his deaf owner to sounds around the house has won a national award.
Zebby, a two-year-old black and white cat from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, has been named the National Cat of the Year by Cats Protection.
He helps his 66-year-old owner Genevieve Moss by tapping her to alert her to noises such as the phone or doorbell ringing.
Ms. Moss stated that she “can’t imagine life without Zebby” and is “overjoyed.”
Zebby, who received no special training, was chosen as the overall winner of the National Cat Awards from among thousands of other pets.
As a helping cat who ‘hears’ for deaf owner wins a national award, on Monday, the feline welfare charity hosted an event at Wilton’s Music Hall in London.
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Zebby was one of four finalists in the Family Fur-ever category, and he was voted on by the public.
A panel of celebrities and experts, including former footballer David Seaman MBE and veterinarian and TV personality Dr. Scott Miller, then named him the overall winner.
His owner said: “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.
“Without my hearing aid, I can’t hear anything, but now I have Zebby to help me.
“He’ll come and tap me when the phone is ringing, and then I can pop my hearing aid and speaker on and take the call.
“In the night, if there’s an unusual noise he will bat me on my head to wake me up and let me know.”
“Zebby is very special, I’ve never known a cat quite like him,” she added.
“He loves to be around me, wherever I am, he’s not far behind.
“We’ve got a very close bond and I wouldn’t want to cope without him.
“Living on my own and being deaf means life could be lonely, but not with Zebby around, he’s my hero.”
The cat won a trophy and prize package, which included a £200 pet store voucher.
Cats Protection’s National Cat Awards organizer Ashley Fryer said: “From the moment we read his entry form, we knew Zebby was something special.
“Zebby is clearly devoted to Genevieve, and their story highlights the powerful bond that exists between people and their cats.
“He’s a shining example of the joy and comfort a cat can bring.”
