Could Nala from Brighton be the National Cat of the Year?

A Brighton cat, who helped a terminally ill teenager and her family cope has been named as a finalist in Cats Protection’s National Cat Awards 2019.

TABBY Nala beat hundreds of other entries to take her place as one of three contenders in the Outstanding Rescue Cat category, celebrating cats that have been adopted from rehoming charities.

The 15-year-old puss was selected as a finalist in recognition of the love, support and friendship she gave to Charlotte Eades, who died from a rare form of brain cancer in February 2016, aged just 19.

Mum Alex said that Nala had since proved to be an immense support to her and son Miles, 24, as they come to terms with losing Charlotte.

She said: “Charlotte was seven when we got Nala and they grew up together. They both had such a sense of fun and enjoyed playing games together.

“When Charlotte became ill, that bond grew even stronger. Nala was at her side through thick and thin. During everything Charlotte went through, Nala was there for her to stroke, cuddle and talk to.

“That friendship meant everything to Charlotte and it gave her the determination to make the most of every day she had. Charlotte used her You Tube channel to talk about her favourite things – fashion, make up and, of course, Nala.

“Since we lost Charlotte, Nala has helped me and Miles so much. We sometimes watch Charlotte’s old YouTube videos and Nala still recognises her voice.

“Nala is a link to Charlotte but she’s also so much more. She really is the constant in our lives, the heart of our family.”

Alex and Miles have continued Charlotte’s inspiring YouTube channel and Nala remains a constant fixture in their videos.

Alex now needs to wait until Thursday, August 8 when winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at London’s Savoy, an event attended by celebrities including entrepreneur Deborah Meaden, former England goalkeeper David Seaman and his wife, Dancing on Ice star Frankie Seaman.

If Nala wins her category, she will also be in with a chance of being crowned National Cat of the Year, following in the paw prints of previous winner Theo, who helped his owner Charlotte Dixon survive a potentially fatal blood clot.

Cats Protection’s awards organiser Kate Bunting said: “Charlotte was clearly a devoted owner and it was her love, care and attention for Nala that created such a bond between them. It’s incredibly moving to hear how important Nala was to Charlotte and how Nala is now helping the whole family as they come to terms with their loss.”

Calum Macrae, Regional Director UK & Ireland at PURINA®, added: “The National Cat Awards is a wonderful celebration of everything we love about cats, in particular shining a spotlight on the incredible bond that can exist between pets and owners.

“All the finalists are truly inspiring and go to show the hugely positive impact cats can have on people’s lives, for all sorts of reasons. It’s no wonder that cats have earned a special place in our hearts and homes.”

Each category winner receives a trophy, a £100 pet store voucher, a year’s subscription to Cats Protection’s The Cat magazine and a three months’ supply of PURINA® cat food.