2 days ago
Glasgow cat in running for National Cat Awards 2025
Two-year-old Kiki, from Glasgow, is a finalist in the 2025 Cats Protection National Cat Awards in the Connected Cats category, which celebrates cats that make a big impact in their communities and bring joy to those around them.
Kiki accompanies 10-year-old Sonny and his friends on their daily walk to school, waits for them in the playground, and then joins them for the journey back home.
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(Image: Supplied)
So consistent is Kiki's routine that the school's headteacher jokingly praised her '100 per cent attendance', and she's now a beloved figure at the school gates. Known for her sociable nature, she has become a firm favourite among pupils, staff, and local families.
Michelle Scott, 51, a social worker and Kiki's owner, said: "I've always had cats but Kiki is like no cat I've known.
"We got her as a kitten for my son Sonny's eighth birthday and whenever he had friends around, she would sit with them as if she was one of them.
"She's really sociable.
"She follows Sonny and his friends to school every day, waits around the playground, then follows them home.
She's often sleeping or half awake when Sonny is getting ready for school, but as soon as she hears him leave, she'll jump off the bed and run downstairs to go after them.
"Then, if they stop and faff about, she'll run on in front as if to say, 'Come on'.
"She's brought a lot of joy to the children, staff and school community and given the teachers an opportunity to teach children how to treat cats and respect them.'
(Image: Supplied)
Kiki was selected from hundreds of nominations and is now one of three national finalists in her category.
She is now competing in a public vote running from now to July 31 on the Cats Protection website.
The overall National Cat of the Year will be chosen by a panel of judges.
Cat lovers can cast their votes at between June 16 and July 31.
Jeff Knott, advocacy and influence director at Cats Protection, said: "The National Cat Awards celebrates the nation's cats and the extraordinary impact they have on people's lives.
"This year's finalists have shown incredible intuition, empathy and compassion.
"We can't wait to reveal the winners – and it's now up to the public to decide."
Category winners will receive a trophy, a £200 pet store voucher, and a year's subscription to The Cat magazine.
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(Image: Supplied)
One lucky cat will also be crowned National Cat of the Year, with the overall winner announced at a London awards ceremony on September 24, hosted by writer and presenter Dawn O'Porter.
The awards highlight the unique ways in which cats enrich the lives of people and communities across the UK.
Last year's winner, Marley, was honoured for his role in comforting women who have been enslaved, exploited, and trafficked at Caritas Bakhita House in London.
