An 11-year-old autistic boy from Berkshire, England, was given a cat to help him overcome crippling anxiety. April 2022, the thankful kid nominated his furry companion for the annual National Cat Awards, and the clever cat won an award!
According to Jenny Albery, her son Elliot has a special relationship with Chicken, his cat. The mother adopted the calico kitten to provide comfort whenever the youngster is struggling.
Jenny told BBC:
“When he’s had a tough day or is struggling with anxiety, talking about Chicken has a calming effect on him. She just dotes on him and is never far from Elliot.”
The mother, who lives in Thatcham, Berkshire, is in awe of the great chemistry between the kitty and her child, Chicken is an integral part of their family.
Elliot values Chicken’s well-being and is always concerned with her happiness, in return, the cat adores him and is seldom far from him.
From time to time, Elliot might need a calm atmosphere, yet he may not want to be alone. When he’s around Chicken, he doesn’t have to worry about what others think of him; he can just be himself.
Chicken is nominated!
As a token of appreciation, Elliot and Jenny have decided to register Chicken for the National Cat Awards.
The loveable calico cat passed the initial selection rounds to reach the finals, in the “Furr-ever Friends” category, Chicken was one of three cats chosen as finalists.
Max from Harrogate, in Yorkshire, and Teddy from Braunston, near Daventry, in Northamptonshire, are the other two competitors in this category. They were selected from the hundreds of other entries that were submitted.
Jenny Abery didn’t enter the competition just for fun; she wanted to spread an optimistic message regarding animals and autism. The mother stated:
“I really hope their story will help highlight how incredible cats can be for people with autism.”
What are the National Cat Awards?
Cats Protection National Cat Awards, held by the UK’s leading cat charity, celebrate the extraordinary link between cats and humans.
Cat Colleagues, Most Caring Cat, or Oustanding rescue Cat are just some of categories on which the public will vote. Successful businesswoman Deborah Meaden, English footballer Ellen White, and comedian Bob Mortimer make up the panel of celebrity judges.
Cat-loving Footballer Ellen White, of the England and Manchester City squads, is a celebrity supporter of this year’s event. She declared it was an easy decision for her to participate in this year’s National Cat Awards because she shares millions of others’ admiration for felines.
The ceremony occurred on August 4, 2022, at the Savoy Hotel in London. Cat duo Jasper and Willow have been named joint National Cat of the Year 2022.
Chicken won in his designated category of “Furr-ever Friends” making Elliot and Jenny very proud!