A CAT from Holywell who helps a six-year-old boy with severe learning difficulties and medical conditions has won a prestigious award at the National Cat Awards 2021.

Minty was chosen by celebrity judge and comedian Russell Kane as the winner of the Furrever Friends category, celebrating tales of friendship between cats and children.

Minty was honoured in recognition of the support he gives to Connor Raven.

Connor has severe learning difficulties and a range of medical conditions, including ataxic cerebral palsy, which affect his physical, mental and emotional development.

Minty helps Connor cope with daily life, from keeping him settled at meal-times to providing a calming presence at bedtime. When the world is too much and Connor suffers an emotional meltdown, Minty will spring into action and nuzzle up close to help calm him.

Remarkably, the caring puss – who only has three legs following a road accident – even helped Connor learn to climb the stairs, a huge achievement given his developmental issues.

Minty’s owner and Connor’s mum Siobhan Cobb, 31, said: “I’m over the moon that Minty has been recognised for the special cat that he is. He is a huge part of our family unit and it is lovely to share the unique bond the boys have.

“Minty demonstrates how clever, affectionate and dependable cats can be. We can always rely on him to make everything better, and he is the best friend that Connor needs and deserves.

“Having only three legs never stops Minty enjoying life, and I think that rubs off on Connor. Together, they are unstoppable, whatever comes their way. Minty’s a really inspirational cat and we love him to bits.”

Category judge and comedian Russell Kane chose Minty as a winner and said: “I truly believe cats aren’t used enough in teaching companionship and therapeutic ways.

“For me, Minty’s story drives forward the argument that cats are wonderful creatures, not just for them being furry and being stroked, but for the emotional benefits, the teaching benefits and the assistance they can bring to people’s lives.”

Cats Protection’s National Cat Awards, organised by the UK’s largest cat charity and sponsored by Purina, is the biggest celebration of the real-life stories of heroism, loyalty and companionship in the feline world. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event is being held online.

The owners of Minty and three other category winners will now face a nail-biting wait until 12 August when the overall National Cat of the Year will be announced.

The winner will be selected by a celebrity panel made up of The Chase’s Jenny ‘The Vixen’ Ryan, BBC TV weather presenters Owain Wyn Evans and Elizabeth Rizzini, journalist Camilla Tominey, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Laura White and regular National Cat Awards judges David and Frankie Seaman.

Cats Protection’s awards organiser Kate Bunting said: “Minty goes to show what an amazing impact cats can have on the lives of children.

“He’s truly one of the family – there for the fun times and also for when Connor needs comfort and support. Like many cats, he loves to be in the thick of busy family life, and it’s wonderful to hear how much he means to Connor.”

The National Cat of the Year will be announced on Cats Protection's Facebook page on Thursday, August 12.