CAT lovers across the UK are being invited to nominate their furry friends for the biggest event in the feline year – the National Cat Awards.

Run by the charity Cats Protection, the annual event celebrates the nation’s most marvellous moggies, with heart-warming tales of devotion, courage and companionship.

Owners have until noon on Friday, February 24 to nominate their cat in one of four categories:

Cat Colleagues – Celebrating cats who bring joy to the workplace or make working from home a pleasure

Family Fur-ever – Recognising cats that make a family complete, whether they’re a child’s best friend or a comforting sofa buddy

Moggy Marvels – Jaw-dropping stories of survival, heroism and companionship in the cat world

Social Star – Paying tribute to those fame-hungry felines who spread joy on social media.

Cats Protection’s Chief Executive John May said: “Cats are undoubtedly some of our nation’s most treasured pets, and over the past few years many of us have found their companionship more important than ever.

“The National Cat Awards are all about celebrating everything we love about cats – from their entertaining antics to their comforting presence. And in recognition of just how much enjoyment cats bring to the world, we’ve introduced a new Social Star category, where the public can nominate their favourite famous felines.

“We are thrilled to be hosting the awards once again and look forward to sharing many wonderful stories of moggy brilliance, and hopefully inspire more people to adopt a rescue cat in 2023.”

Winners will be selected in a public vote and by a panel of judges before being announced during a ceremony at London’s Wilton’s Music Hall on July 17.

To nominate your cat, or for further information about the National Cat Awards, visit www.cats.org.uk/national-cat-awards .

To find out more about adopting a cat from Cats Protection, visit www.cats.org.uk/adopt-a-cat .