Three-legged 'therapy' cat finalist for award

William has made it to the final of the Cat of the Year contest

A three-legged cat from Kent which offers therapy for its owner has been named a finalist in an annual cat awards.

William saw off hundreds of rival moggies to secure a place in the final of the Family Cats category in the Cats Protection National Cat Awards 2024.

Owner Amber Jackson, 11, who has sensory processing disorder, says petting the two-year-old rescue cat gives her "emotional therapy".

Amber's mum Sarah Jackson said: “Amber and William are a team – they have similar personalities.

William lost one of his back legs in an accident

"Both are extremely clever and sporty and don’t like me telling them what to do."

Ms Jackson also said both William and Amber are "scared of loud noises and comfort each other" when they are unsettled.

William is credited with giving his 11-year-old owner 'emotional therapy'

'Like a panther'

Ms Jackson said the feline, who she described as a "real explorer", had taught her daughter a lesson in resilience, after his right back leg was amputated because of an injury.

"For the six weeks of his convalescence, he stared mournfully out of the window and, as soon as I let him out, he was over the fence and away.

"He walks with a wobble but runs like a panther. He’s so brave and completes our little family.”

William, who lives in Deal, faces one other contender for the prize, and the winner will be announced on Wednesday.