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Posted by Ros Connors

Report reveals it was our cats who came to our aid during the pandemic

Throughout the pandemic, there has been discussion around the benefits pets brought to many people’s lives.  However, according to a recent report, it’s our feline friends that made a difference to so many. The report by Cats Protection has found that there are now around 10.8 million owned cats in the UK in 2021 – an increase of 600,000 from 2020, with over a quarter (26%) of UK households now owning a cat.

The report also looks at how cats came to our aid during this period highlighting that 20% of cat owners say that the main reason for having a cat in their life is to help them feel less stressed or anxious, something which many have struggled with over this troubling two years. According to the data 90% of cat owners use stroking their cat or sitting with their cat as a way to relieve their stress with 87% also regularly chatting away with their feline too.

Every year to acknowledge our favourite felines Cats Protection, which runs the National Cat Awards thought they’d add a new category to recognise those cat companions who made a real difference over the last 20/21 months.

Cats Protection are calling on UK cat lovers to start nominating their furry friends. Entries close on Thursday 10th March and winners will be selected by cat-loving celebrity judges before being announced at a star-studded ceremony at London’s Savoy Hotel on 4 August 2022.

Ros spoke to cat behaviour expert at Cats Protection Nicky Trevorrow.

Photo by Erik-Jan Leusink on Unsplash

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