On September 19th, a handsome tuxedo cat named Marley was awarded the Cat of the Year Award. The cat lives in a safe house and provides comfort to women who have been victims of trafficking, enslavement and exploitation and takes refuge there. The cat received the award in recognition of the “power of love” that has helped several women on their tumultuous journey to recovery.
Celebrity judges choose rescue cat Marley as ‘Cat of the Year’
Marley the shelter’s cat has won the 2024 Cat of the Year award, organised by UK-based welfare charity Cats Protection. The cat competed against thousands of other cats to be crowned the winner at a national ceremony. Karen Antis, director of the shelter, said: Guardian“He’s a great example of the power of love.”
She also noted that Marley’s loving touch was the first act of kindness for many of the women at the shelter. Moreover, his “gift for empathy” Praised Marley was praised by all at the conference for helping to guide several women on the road to recovery. Antis recalled a guest who was so traumatized she couldn’t talk to any of the residents, but she was able to trust Marley, which helped her immensely in her recovery journey.
Marley’s experience before being rescued may have been similar to that of the shelter’s residents: “I think he was going through a lot before he was rescued. He understands the trauma of our guests because he’s been through a lot himself,” Antis said.
To approach women, this year’s Cat of the Year winner first sits near them, lets them approach him, and then gently places his paws on their lap. This slow but effective technique helps women realize they are not alone.
The shelter’s director joked that Marley is the supervisor of the staff, has a “bed of daisies” that she won’t let anyone touch, likes to join everyone for dinner, and frequently attends art therapy sessions.
