A rescue cat has dazzled judges for the second year running to win Best in Show at the Ely & District Cats Protection cat show.
Thirty cats were entered into the charity show in Little Downham yesterday – but it was friendly tabby Charlie that stole the judges’ hearts.
Charlie, who lives in Welney, won the non-pedigree category of the long established cat show, which celebrated its 24th year this weekend.
Charlie was one of a litter of kittens born into Cat Protection care after her mother was brought in, suffering from terrible cruelty.
Alex Fisher, who fostered the cat and kittens until they could be rehomed, said despite the mother cat’s tough start in life, she had a sweet, gentle nature.
“The mum had been mistreated, her ears had been cut off, but she was the friendliest cat you could hope for. The kittens had a beautiful temperament too.”
The kittens and their mum had all been rehomed quickly.
“It was Charlie who really stood out for us. Last year was her first show and she had a fantastic day. She managed to repeat it this year.”
The pedigree section was won by Emmie, a silver mackerel tabby and white cat, from Haddenham.
The show included “cats of courage”, some of whom had undergone amputations for various reasons.
Guest of honour Garfield, Ely’s most famous feline, had to pull out at the last minute after feeling poorly – possibly as a result of a scrap with another cat – but has since recovered.
Garfield – who gained celebrity status and the nickname Mr Sainsburys, after becoming a permanent fixture at the Ely supermarket – is an ambassador for Ely Cats Protection.
Over the years the ginger tom, with the help of his owners, has led a cat food collection campaign at Sainsburys.
The cat show is the charity’s main annual fundraiser. Last year’s event raised over £1000.
During yesterday’s show, at least six cats were rehomed, show manager Linda Hutchinson, of Little Downham said.
“Cats Protection currently have 17 cats looking for a home. The older ones are hardest to home.”
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