London: Marley is Cat of the Year

Marley on garden patrol at Caritas Bakhita House

Congratulations to Marley, a special resident at Caritas Bakhita House, who has beat thousands of other entries today, to be named Cats Protection's National Cat of the Year.

Caritas Bakhita House is a safe house for survivors of modern slavery, exploitation and human trafficking. Since opening in 2015, the centre has provided accommodation to 195 women and 16 babies from almost 50 different countries.The centre recently published an Impact Report showcasing the life-changing impact of its holistic, trauma-informed approach on former guests.

Director Karen Anstiss said: "I'm so proud Marley has won National Cat of the Year - he's a wonderful example of the power of love.

"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."

Karen explained: "We adopted Marley four years ago and I think he'd suffered abuse as he is terrified of men aged around 30. So he recognises our guests' trauma. One woman was in such distress she couldn't speak to us, only to Marley. But, because she trusted him, over time we were able to build a bridge and reach her.

"Marley, who is seven, is also staff supervisor, security guard, patrolling the grounds, and chief gardener. Nobody is allowed to touch his patch of daisies! In art therapy he's a popular muse. One guest even composed a song for him.

"At 7pm staff and guests sit down for dinner together, like a family, and Marley joins us. He's the fluffy heart of our home."

To reach the final four places in the National Cat Awards, Marley first won the 'Incredible Cats category', in a public vote (which we helped to promote on ICN). He was then selected as overall National Cat of the Year by a panel of celebrity judges. The event at the Marylebone One centre today was hosted by Scottish writer and presenter Dawn O'Porter. Marley has won a special trophy and a stash of goodies including a £200 pet store voucher.

Marley follows in the pawprints of another exceptional feline, Zebby, who won National Cat of the Year 2023 in recognition of the support he gives his deaf owner, by alerting her to sounds around the home.

Another winner this year, in the 'family cat' category, is Zara, who offers pastoral care to the congregation at St John the Evangelist church in Bexley, comforting mourners and starring in wedding photographs.

LINKS

Watch a film about Marley here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-KXOBpbIuM&t=33s

Caritas Bakhita House: https://caritaswestminster.org.uk/bakhita-house/

Impact report: https://issuu.com/rcwestminster/docs/cbh_impact_report