Caritas Bakhita House in central London, which adopted the pet four years ago, offers a safe place for those who have been enslaved, exploited and trafficked. "I'm so proud 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.

Marley is a seven-year old cat that has been named Cats Protection's National Cat of the Year 2024. Recognition of the black and white feline however, is for a special reason, Marley, who lives at a safe house for women,

"Often Marley placing a paw on our guests’ legs is the first kindness they’ve experienced in years," the safe house manager said. | ITV News London

A seven-year-old London cat with a “gift of empathy” who lives at a safe house for women who have been enslaved, exploited and trafficked has won a national award.

Cilla was the winner of the Connected category, as a school cat at Outwoods Primary School in Atherstone, Warwickshire, who calms pupils before their SATs and sparked donations of £5,000 worth of books from social media followers around the world, restocking the school library.

"She's a diva!" said the head teacher who described the domestic shorthair as very intuitive with a calming presence. Among other benefits, Cilla - short for Priscilla Outwoods -