Check out our latest magazine... Read Online

Willow The Cat Among Awards Finalists After Saving The Life Of Diabetic Owner

A cat who saved its diabetic owner's life is among the finalists at the National Cat Awards.

Amanda Jameson, 51, from Liverpool, lost consciousness after going to bed one night with dangerously low blood sugar.

Willow the cat bit the leg of Ms Jameson's partner Ray Sherwood, 57, who had fallen asleep in front of the television and paced around to wake him up.

Willow then led Mr Sherwood upstairs, where he found Amanda unresponsive and called for an ambulance.

Mr Sherwood said:

"I had fallen asleep in front of the TV and then around 4am, I was woken by Willow biting at my legs and jumping at me.

"It was very out of character for her and made me get up to see what all the fuss was about. She was running between me and the stairs, looking back at me. I followed her up the stairs and she kept looking back at me to make sure I was coming.

"When I went into the bedroom, Willow leapt onto the bed, and I could see Amanda slumped over.

"She was unresponsive and I called an ambulance straight away."

Willow, owned by Amanda Jameson from Prescot, is announced as a finalist in the 'Moggy Marvels' category of this year's Cats Protection National Cat Awards. Issue date: Friday April 21, 2023.

Image:Willow and her owner Amanda Jameson

'A total hero'

Mr Sherwood added:

"She was very unwell and rushed to hospital where, fortunately, they were able to treat her.

"I was absolutely stunned - Willow had saved her life.

"She's an incredible cat, a total hero."

Ms Jameson said she had been told she was "very close" to falling into a diabetic coma, and then the outlook "could have been very bad".

"Willow is amazing, I just think she's incredible," she added.

'I think she's checking I'm breathing'

"Since I came home from hospital, she has become very protective of me. I've noticed how she puts her nose to my mouth a lot, I think she's checking I'm breathing," she added.

There are four categories in the National Cat Awards - cat colleagues, family fur-ever, moggy marvels and social star.

Willow is in the moggy marvels category, alongside Dali, a cat which was missing for a month before being found marooned on a small group of rocks in a river, and Beau, which supports its owner David, who was diagnosed with incurable blood cancer.

'Cats can have a huge impact on wellbeing'

The public will have until 30 June to vote and the winners will be announced on 17 July, at a ceremony hosted by writer and TV presenter Dawn O'Porter.

Cats Protection's awards organiser, Ashley Fryer, said:

"Cats can have a huge impact on wellbeing and mental health and it's clear that each of our finalists brings something really special to their owners.

"We've whittled down nearly 3,000 entries to just 12 remarkable felines and we can't wait to see who the public chooses as their winners."

https://news.sky.com/story/willow-the-cat-among-awards-finalists-after-saving-the-life-of-diabetic-owner-12862233

More from Lifestyle

  • Five Incredible Walking Trails To Explore Around Europe

    From rugged coastlines to serene forests, the continent offers countless trails that promise unforgettable experiences. Here are five incredible walking trails that showcase Europe's natural beauty and cultural heritage:

  • Five Ancient Wonders Of The World You Can Still Visit

    The ancient world was home to many marvels, from towering statues to grand temples. While many of these wonders have been lost to time, some remain for modern explorers to visit and admire. Here are five ancient wonders that you can still experience today:

  • The Exciting Appeal of the Beach Holiday

    Full of intoxicating sensory pleasures, the beach is the world’s favourite holiday destination as Lisa de Silva explains

  • Five Most Frustrating Board Games To Play With The Family

    Board games are a timeless family pastime, bringing people together for fun, strategy, and a bit of friendly competition. However, not all board games are created equal when it comes to family harmony. Some games, while popular and beloved, can lead to more frustration than fun. Here are five of the most frustrating board games to play with the family:

  • Money Matters: The Revenue Generation

    Adele Trathan investigates the pursuit of additional income, and why age is not necessarily a barrier to finding ways to enrich our finances

Get Social