Heroic Cats Save Owners from Fire, Detect Seizures, and Save Lives!
Remarkable cats who were finalists in the National Cat Awards
A couple of years ago, in my role as a very serious journalist, I was tasked with writing about the Cat Protection League’s National Cat Awards finalists. There were many beautiful felines who’d done amazing things. These are a few of the highlights!
Prince Ozzy Raised the Fire Alarm
Prince Ozzy from Belfast raised the alarm when a fire broke out in the flat below. As smoke seeped from the blaze into Sharon and Ozzy’s flat, he took decisive action.
Sharon Kane explains: “I had been on strong medication for a chest infection so was in a very deep sleep. It was 5am and Prince Ozzy kept batting me on my face with his paw. I kept mumbling to him to stop it, but he just kept doing it.
“Eventually I came round and could see and smell smoke. I felt unwell but dragged myself up and opened the windows. The fire alarm came on. I dread to think what may have happened if Prince Ozzy hadn’t woken me. I was in such a deep sleep, I don’t think the alarm would have alerted me.”
Sharon was treated for smoke inhalation but made a full recovery.
Awol Saved my Life!
Awol arrived on Nicola Hamblett’s doorstep in Barnsley at a time when she badly needed company. He didn’t go away, so eventually she took him in. Nicola was experiencing major stresses, bereavement, and her anxiety was so bad, it was making her hair fall out.
She said, “It was one of the darkest times of my life, but Awol was with me every step of the way. He’s made everything so much better. He saved my life! I traced his original owner, and it was agreed Awol had chosen to live with me, so he’s been with me ever since.”
Helping at a Time of Grief
Honey joined the Hoad family from Lowestoft in Suffolk at an emotional time. Brothers Luca and Herbie were grieving for the loss of their father, who’d passed away following a short illness. Honey’s presence helped to lift the mood and provided a welcome distraction.
“She’s given us something to focus on and helped the boys deal with their grief.” says Clara, the boys’ mum. “We got her seven months ago and she’s had the most remarkable effect.
She’s silly, funny and playful and puts the laughter back in our home. She seems to know how much the boys need her and is always there. She’s brought the joy back into our lives: we think she’s one-in-a-million.”
Toby can Detect an Imminent Seizure
Toby’s owner, Annette Sterland-Burton from Sheffield, began having seizures after developing functional neurological disorder as a complication of meningitis two years ago. It affects her memory and mobility, and causes black-outs and seizures.
Annette explains, “We got Toby as a family pet, but it soon became apparent that he’s much more than a pet — he’s a lifeline. The seizures come out of the blue with no warning, yet Toby can sense when one is about to start. He’ll start pawing me and meowing loudly. He becomes very noisy and just won’t leave me alone.
My son, Kieran, knows to ring for help. It’s so reassuring knowing Toby is looking out for us.” Toby has received no specialist training, making his behaviour particularly remarkable.
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