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A cat who became a ‘Moggy Midwife’ when his pregnant owner suddenly went into labour has been named Rescue Cat of the Year 2010 in the UK’s feline Oscars.
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Marvellous Marmite was awarded top honours at this year’s Rescue Cat Awards, organised by the charity Cats Protection, after providing invaluable support to owner Lindsey Davies, 21, when she started having contractions while at home alone last October.
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Loyal Marmite stayed by Lindsey’s side for two hours until husband Huw, 25, arrived home, helping keep the mum-to-be calm and relaxed as the contractions became more painful.
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The one-year-old puss was honoured at a ceremony at the New London Theatre in the West End attended by celebrity judges including comedian Iain Lee, actress Lesley Joseph, TV vet Emma Milne and children’s TV presenter Sarah-Jane Honeywell.
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Runners up included Oscar, a former stray who has transformed the lives of elderly people at a care home; Bobby, a puss with an amazing ability to help his disabled owner recover from trance-like states and Purrdy, a rescue cat who survived horrific abuse from an unscrupulous breeder.
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Marmite’s owners Lindsey and Huw Davies, of Fareham, Hampshire, said not only was he an incredible birth partner, he was also a vital support to Lindsey during a difficult pregnancy, much of which Lindsey spent housebound suffering the painful condition of pre-eclampsia.

Fortunately baby Ruby was born safe and well and now Marmite is just as protective of the new arrival, keeping a watchful eye over the baby and alerting Lindsey whenever she cries.
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Lindsey said: “As the contractions got stronger, Marmite stayed with me as my very supportive birth partner until Huw arrived home. He rubbed up against me and purred affectionately which helped to distract me from the labour pains. He never once left my side and that was so reassuring.
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“When I brought Ruby home Marmite was thrilled to meet her – he is always guarding her and when she is crying he will even find me and miaow to let me know.
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“I was naturally very frightened when I went into labour on my own with Huw away from home but Marmite seemed to instinctively know something was happening and kept me calm and relaxed. I honestly don’t think I would have coped without him.
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“Our family just wouldn’t be complete without Marmite and Ruby adores him as much as we do. He really is a hero, one very special cat!”

Marmite scooped the overall Rescue Cat of the Year title after winning the Most Incredible Story category of the Rescue Cat Awards, organised by charity Cats Protection and sponsored by Purina Petcare.
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The awards, now in their fifth year, are designed to celebrate the real life stories of heroism, bravery and survival in the cat world.

According to Peter Hepburn, Cats Protection’s Chief Executive, Marmite’s story was an inspiring one.
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He said: “Marmite was an incredible friend to Lindsey at a time when she needed it most and he’s a great example of how supportive and intuitive cats can be in times of crisis.
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“Cats make superb family pets and Marmite’s story shows what a major part they play in the lives of UK families, from mums and dads to toddlers and children.
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“Marmite clearly adores the new arrival and, like many other children, Ruby will benefit from the many joys of growing up with a cat. Cats can teach young people essential life skills, including how to care for and respect others.
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“All cats are special but our award winners show that rescue cats have that extra something that enriches the lives of their owners. Anyone who adopts a rescue cat will not only be giving a moggy a much-needed second chance in life, they will also be welcoming a lifelong friend into their home.”
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Other category winners were:

Best Friends category winner: Oscar
Ginger puss Oscar transformed the lives of residents at The Mount Care Home in Reading after he was adopted from Cats Protection. The former stray prefers to spend time indoors mingling with elderly residents and managers say he has dramatically improved the atmosphere at the home. Care home manager Joyce Brennan said: “For many people, going into care means giving up their pets. Having a resident cat here has clearly given us something extra - we all love Oscar and he brings a lot of joy to the home.”
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Hero Cat winner: Bobby
Sixteen-year-old Bobby has an amazing ability to look after disabled owner Lyn Stewart, of Poole, Dorset. Having suffered a serious car accident some years ago, Lyn regularly lapses into dangerous catatonic states where she becomes unable to move or even blink. Whenever this happens, Bobby appears at her side and uses his paw to pat her mouth, bringing her out of the paralysis.
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Ultimate Survivor winner: Purrdy
Poor Purrdy had a terrible start to life when she failed to meet the standards of an unscrupulous cat breeder. Thrown into a squalid caravan with 50 other “rejects” she was fed cheap dog food and deprived of human love and a normal life. Animal welfare workers said the conditions were the worst they had ever seen and many of the cats had to be put to sleep. Despite her appalling start to life, Purrdy pulled through and is now a much loved family pet to Sarah and Mark Broad, of Eastleigh, Hampshire.
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Purina Lifetime Achievement Award winner: Tess
Rescue cat Tess has proved to be a real lifeline to her owner Samantha Marshall, of Thurmaston, Leicestershire since she adopted her 10 years ago. Suffering from a severe personality disorder, Samantha has difficulty forming relationships and communicating with people.
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However, through Tess she has been able to experience a loving friendship and has learnt new ways of communicating with others. She said: “She literally keeps me going day after day and the love with have for each other is the one constant thing in my life when everything is upside down.”
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To find out more about adopting one of the 7,000 rescue cats currently in the care of Cats Protection, please contact the charity’s National Helpline on 03000 12 12 12.

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