CAT LOVERS across Hampshire are being invited to nominate their pet for cat of the year.

A national feline charity is calling on owners to nominate their pets for 2018’s National Cat Awards.

Now in its tenth year, the awards celebrate the difference that cats make to owners’ lives by highlighting heart-warming stories of companionship.

Entries opened last week and owners have until midday on March 9 to nominate their cat for one of five categories.

Cats Protection, which has bases in both Totton and Southampton, has called on Hampshire residents to nominate their pets.

Last year’s winner, Spike, passed away because of a stroke and had suffered from motor neurone disease.

Owner Katy Styles said: “Spike became a mascot not just for us, but many with motor neurone disease and those people that support the association.

“He has done an amazing amount to get people to understand more about the disease and what a difference a pet can make.”

The categories that can be nominated for include a cat that has ‘saved the day’ and a feline that has had a positive impact on a person’s health or wellbeing.

Those who have developed a special friendship can also win an award, as well as those who have been adopted from animal charities and a cat that has ‘enriched a life’.

Ambassador Chizzy Akudolu said: “As a cat owner myself, and having attended last year’s awards, I have seen first-hand what a tremendous difference they can make to people’s lives.

“So get nominating as this is their time to shine.”

Category winners are then put in the running to be named the National Cat of the Year, judged by a host of celebrity cat-lovers in London in August.

To nominate, visit cats.org.uk/national-cat-awards.