SAFE HOUSE PET MARLEY WINS CAT OF THE YEAR AWARD
Source: BBC (Extract)
Posted: September 19, 2024
A seven-year-old cat residing at a safe house for women has been recognized nationally for his “incredible gift of empathy.” Black and white Marley triumphed over thousands of entries to be named Cats Protection’s National Cat of the Year 2024.
Caritas Bakhita House in central London, where Marley has lived for four years, provides a safe haven for individuals who have been enslaved, exploited, or trafficked.
“I’m so proud that Marley has won National Cat of the Year—he’s a wonderful example of the power of love,” said Karen Anstiss, head of Caritas Bakhita House.
“Often Marley placing a paw on our guests’ legs is the first kindness they’ve experienced in years.
“He has this incredible gift of empathy and has assisted many, many women along the road to recovery.”
Marley was adopted by the safe house in Westminster, which currently supports 11 women from various countries, after spending time in a rescue shelter. He had previously lived with a family whose other cat bullied him.
“Before he went into rescue, I think he had a tough time. He understands our guests’ trauma because he has experienced suffering himself,” said Ms. Anstiss.
“At first, he sits close to gauge how the women react. Then he gently places a paw on their leg to let them know they’re not alone.
“We had one guest who was so traumatized she wouldn’t speak to us—only to Marley. Because she trusted him, we were eventually able to reach her.”
‘Fluffy heart of our home’
Ms Anstiss said Marley was also “staff supervisor, a security guard patrolling the grounds, and chief gardener”.
She said “nobody is allowed to touch his patch of daisies”.
Staff say Marley joins in for therapy sessions and joins guests at dinner, with one even composing a song for the resident feline.
“Marley really is the fluffy heart of our home,” Ms Anstiss said.
To reach the final four cats in the National Cat Awards, Marley first won the “Incredible Cats” category, which recognizes felines whose bonds with their humans inspire remarkable acts of love, through a public vote. He was then named the overall National Cat of the Year by a panel of celebrity judges, earning a trophy and a prize package that included a £200 pet store voucher.
Other category winners this year included Cilla, who took home the “Connected” category title as the school cat at Outwoods Primary School in Warwickshire. Cilla is known for calming students before their SATs and has inspired donations of £5,000 worth of books from social media followers worldwide, helping to restock the school library.
