Cat Of The Year: Moggy's Heartwarming Support Earns Top Honor
Some people don’t recognize a favor until it’s wearing fur and tapping their hand at exactly the right moment. Zebby, a black-and-white moggy with no formal training, has somehow turned everyday sounds into a lifeline for his owner, 66-year-old Genevieve Moss.
In Derbyshire, Genevieve relies on Zebby to do the things her hearing can’t catch anymore. When the phone rings or something unusual happens, he gives gentle taps, then paces at the door to let her know someone’s there. He even fetches her post and slippers, because apparently, “cat duties” now include being her ears.
And the wild part is, Zebby’s not just helping at home, he’s being honored as National Cat of the Year.

Zebby, the moggy without any formal training, has become an indispensable companion to his deaf owner, 66-year-old Genevieve Moss. Living in Derbyshire, Zebby assists Ms. Moss around the house by alerting her to phone calls and unusual sounds with gentle taps.
Additionally, he stands guard at the door, pacing back and forth to indicate someone's presence. This black-and-white cat even goes the extra mile by fetching Ms. Moss's post and slippers.
Zebby's instinctual support showcases the remarkable bond between pets and their owners, serving as a heartwarming example of the invaluable roles animals play in our lives.

That’s when you realize Zebby is basically running a one-cat alert system for Genevieve, from phone calls to weird noises in her Derbyshire home.
She expressed that with Zebby by her side, she never feels lonely and "can't imagine life without [him]." Describing him as her "hero," Zebby has become an indispensable part of her life. Ms. Moss explained, "Without my hearing aid, I can't hear anything, but now I have Zebby to help me. He'll come and tap me when the phone is ringing, and then I can put on my hearing aid and speaker to take the call."
Zebby's remarkable assistance and unwavering devotion have earned him the prestigious award of National Cat of the Year, surpassing thousands of other felines. A panel of celebrities, including former goalkeeper David Seaman MBE, deliberated on the nominees, ultimately recognizing Zebby's extraordinary contributions to his owner's life.
Right after Genevieve explained how Zebby helps her get her hearing aid and speaker ready, the whole story feels a lot less like coincidence and a lot more like teamwork.
This also echoes Yoda the Persian cat, whose story lived on after his demise.
Ms. Moss conveyed her immense pride in Zebby, emphasizing how he exemplifies the intuitive and caring nature of cats to the world. She reflected on the profound impact that Zebby has had on her life, highlighting the positive effects that pets, particularly cats, can have on people's well-being and overall happiness.
Ms. Moss's words resonate with countless individuals who have experienced the unwavering companionship and support of their beloved animal companions, reinforcing the special bond between humans and pets.

Then the National Cat Awards panel, including former goalkeeper David Seaman MBE, had to pick between thousands of nominees and somehow still landed on Zebby.
"I can't imagine life without Zebby, and I'm over the moon that he's been honored in the National Cat Awards," Ms. Moss exclaimed, expressing her deep attachment to her furry companion. She elaborated on their close bond, describing it as "very close" and emphasizing Zebby's constant presence by her side. "He loves to be around me—wherever I am, he's not far behind," she shared fondly.
Cats Protection hosted the event in London on Monday, where Zebby was awarded a trophy and a prize package, including a £200 pet store voucher, in recognition of his remarkable contributions and unwavering companionship.

And once Genevieve said she can’t imagine life without him, it made the award feel less like a trophy and more like proof of what he does every single day.
Event organizer Ashley Fryer remarked, "As soon as we reviewed Zebby's entry form, we recognized that he was truly exceptional. Zebby's unwavering devotion to Genevieve is evident, showcasing the profound connection that exists between individuals and their feline companions. He serves as a glowing example of the happiness and solace that a cat can provide."
Zebby didn’t just win National Cat of the Year, he earned a spot in Genevieve’s everyday life like he was always meant to be there.
Want more jaw-dropping feline longevity, like the British cat aged 26 claiming oldest-in-world?