Cat in Cornwall in running for Cats Protection's Cat of Year

Charlie Charles, a three-year-old cat with an extroverted personality from Wadebridge in Cornwall, has been chosen as a finalist in the Connected Cats category of Cats Protection's National Cat Awards 2024.

Could Charlie Charles be crowned the King of connected cats? (Image: Cats Protection)

Charlie Charles's fame extends far beyond his hometown. He has become a local legend, attracting tourists who come to Wadebridge specifically to meet him.

Fittingly for such a well known Cornish cat, Charlie Charles shares his name with the monarch, who was Duke of Cornwall for 70 years before he ascended the throne. 

Charlie Charles lives with headteacher Emma Williams, 45, and her daughters Ruby, 13 and Mary 10.

“As a kitten, Charlie Charles began walking ten minutes into town every day, acting lost and hungry for belly rubs and treats,” said Emma.

“Concerned people were taking him to the vet, so I set up a Facebook page to let everyone know he has a home. I was gobsmacked when people shared pictures of his daily routine.”

Charlie Charles with his owner Emma (Image: Cats Protection)

Emma continued: “First, he visits the pet shop, where he has his toys, for treats and a nap. Then he pops to the Co-op and the Post Office before spending afternoons at the Antique Centre.

“Evenings, he’s at the cinema making himself comfortable on the ticket sellers’ laps or supporting the town’s cricket and rugby teams.”

Emma said that Charlie Charles is known for his love of trick-or-treating on Halloween.

However, the most unusual place the feline has ended up is in the engine of a tourist campervan.

“He’s so cheeky and mischievous, but charming with it,” Emma added. “He makes our whole town smile.”

Charlie Charles has become a firm favourite with Wadebridge locals, business owners and people who live out of the county (Image: Cats Protection)

Catherine Cottrell, Cats Protection's marketing and income generation director, commented "Town cat Charlie Charles spreads the love, not just through Wadebridge but with his Facebook fans across the world. What a character!"

Charlie Charles will now go through a public vote to find winners in four categories – Connected Cats, Family Cats, Incredible Cats and Senior Cats.

Cat lovers can vote for their favourite finalist by visiting www.cats.org.uk/nca during the voting period from July 17 to August 30. 

Cats Protection, the UK's largest cat charity, organises the National Cat Awards to celebrate the incredible bond between humans and their feline companions.

This year's winner will follow in the paw prints of Zebby, the 2023 National Cat of the Year, who was recognised for his unwavering support of his deaf owner.

The winners will each receive a trophy, a £200 pet store voucher, and a year's subscription to Cats Protection's The Cat magazine. The National Cat of the Year will also receive an overall winner trophy.