A Redditch CAT has sadly passed away just before he won the ‘National Cat of the Year’ award for helping his owner survive a potentially fatal blood clot.
Eight-year-old Theo the cat was nursed back from the brink of death when he was a desperately-ill kitten by his owner Charlotte Dixon.
Years later Theo returned the favour by constantly nudging Charlotte when she was in danger of falling asleep – an action which probably saved her life.
Charlotte said: “When I woke up in the night feeling unwell I put it down to a virus.
“I was confused and shaky but thought I should just get some sleep.
“But Theo kept jumping on me, keeping me awake, and so I eventually called my mum and she called the ambulance.”
Charlotte was rushed to hospital where she spent a week in the High Dependency Unit before making a full recovery.
Theo managed to paw off tough competition after being nominated for the award back in June.
Tragically though Theo died just a week before the ceremony took place and according to Charlotte, it made his win all the more poignant.
“All cats are amazing but I owe my life to Theo. We always had a close bond and I feel this award is a truly wonderful way to celebrate his life.”
“I’m devastated that he’s gone but I’m so proud of him for winning. It shows I’m not the only one who thinks he was a really special cat.”
He was chosen as the overall winner by a panel of celebrity judges which included actor Peter Egan, musician Rick Wakeman and animal-behaviour-expert Sarah Fisher.
Andrew Collins, who was also on the panel, said: “Charlotte and Theo had a perfect bond.
“It shows the epitome of the cat-human relationship.”
