Some animals can truly change people’s lives. We’ve seen so many heartwarming stories of pets providing invaluable services for people with disabilities, helping them to live their lives.
Like one smart cat, who serves as the ears for his deaf owner — and has now received an inspiring honor.
Genevieve Moss, a 66-year-old woman from Derbyshire, England, owns a 2-year-old cat named Zebby. But Zebby is more than just a furry companion: he’s a “hero,” according to his owner.
Because Genevieve is deaf, Zebby does her hearing for her. “Without my hearing aid, I can’t hear anything, but now I have Zebby to help me,” Genevieve told Cats Protection.
Even though Zebby has not had any special training, the caring and intuitive cat has been invaluable to his hearing-impaired owner in so many ways.
“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,” she explained. “In the night, if there’s an unusual noise he will bat me on my head to wake me up and let me know.”
Genevieve also lives alone, so Zebby provides much-needed companionship: “Living on my own and being deaf means life could be lonely, but not with Zebby around – he’s my hero,” she said.
Now, this smart cat has received an incredible honor: he has been named Cat Protection’s National Cat of the Year.
The award, described as the “nation’s biggest celebration of cats,” was given out at Wilton’s Music Hall in London on July 17. Zebby was one of four finalists after winning in the Family Fur-ever category in a public vote, and triumphed as the overall winner in a contest with thousands of other entrants.
“From the moment we read his entry form, we knew Zebby was something special,” awards organizer Ashley Fryer said in the news release. “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.”
Zebby received a trophy and a prize package that includes a £200 pet store voucher. Genevieve couldn’t be prouder of her beloved cat.
“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 said.
Zebby is one special cat, and definitely deserves this incredible honor! Please share this heartwarming news if you love animals! ❤️😸
