A CAT from Wadebridge whose extrovert personality has made him a town celebrity is a finalist in Cats Protection’s National Cat Awards 2024. 

Charlie Charles beat hundreds of entries to take his place as one of three contenders in the Connected Cats category, celebrating cats who are at the centre of their communities. 

The friendly three-year-old moggy has been selected as a finalist in recognition of his popularity, even bringing tourists to Wadebridge hoping to meet him. 

Charlie Charles lives with headteacher Emma Williams, 45, and her daughters Ruby, 13 and Mary, 10. Emma said: “As a kitten, Charlie Charles began walking 10 minutes into town every day, acting lost and hungry for belly rubs and treats. Concerned, people were taking him to the vets 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. 

“First, he visits the pet shop, where he has his own 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. He loves trick or treating on Halloween and the most unusual place he’s turned up is in the engine of some tourists’ campervan. He’s so cheeky and mischievous but charming with it. He makes our whole town smile.” 

Charlie Charles will now go through to 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. 

Category winners and the overall National Cat of the Year – chosen by a panel of judges – will then be announced during a ceremony hosted by Dawn O’Porter at London’s One Marylebone on September 18. 

Cats Protection’s National Cat Awards, organised by the UK’s largest cat charity, is an annual celebration of real-life stories of heroism, loyalty and companionship, showing life is better with cats.  

This year’s winner will inherit the title from Zebby who was named National Cat of the Year 2023 to honour the support he gives his deaf owner Genevieve Moss, alerting her to sounds around their home in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.  

Cats Protection’s Marketing and Income Generation Director Catherine Cottrell said: “Town cat Charlie Charles spreads the love, not just through Wadebridge but with his Facebook fans across the world. What a character!”  

Category winners will each win a prize package of a trophy, a £200 pet store voucher and a year’s subscription to Cats Protection’s The Cat magazine with the National Cat of the Year also receiving an overall winner trophy.