n “intuitive” cat who helps his deaf proprietor by alerting her to sounds round the home has gained a nationwide award.

Zebby was named Cats Protection’s National Cat of the Year 2023 in recognition of the way in which he helps proprietor Genevieve Moss, 66, by alerting her to noises just like the telephone ringing or a visitor on the door.

Ms Moss, of Chesterfield, Derbyshire, stated: “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.”

She outlined the methods during which he assists her, saying: “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.

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“In the night, if there’s an unusual noise he will bat me on my head to wake me up and let me know.

“If someone is at the door, he’ll pace about in front of me until I get the message.”

She continued: “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!”

Zebby beat 1000's of different pets to be named total winner within the nation’s greatest celebration of cats, which was organised by animal welfare charity Cats Protection.

Ms Moss stated she “can’t imagine life without Zebby” and added: “I’m over the moon that he’s been honoured 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.”

Zebby turned one in all 4 finalists within the National Cat Awards after he gained the competitors’s Family Fur-ever class – which celebrates cats that make a household full – in a public vote.

The determination to crown Zebby the general winner was made by a panel of celebrities and consultants, together with former footballer David Seaman and veterinarian and TV character Dr Scott Miller.

Cats Protection’s National Cat Awards organiser Ashley Fryer stated: “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.”

Zebby was awarded a trophy and prize bundle, which included a £200 pet retailer voucher.

Previous winners embody have been Jasper and Willow, who have been collectively named National Cat of the Year 2022 in recognition of the companionship they provided at St Peter & St James Hospice in Haywards Heath, West Sussex.

In different classes, the 2023 award for Social Star went to Eric, who has gone from a poorly stray kitten to amassing a number of thousand followers throughout Instagram and TikTok.

Henry IX gained the Cat Colleagues class as he spends his days offering companionship to the gardening group at Hampton Court Palace in south-west London, and Willow took the title within the Moggy Marvels class after elevating the alarm when her diabetic proprietor turned unconscious.