A cat who has become invaluable to his deaf owner by “hearing” for her has been voted National Cat of the Year.

Zebby the moggy has no formal hearing training, yet helps 66-year-old Genevieve Moss around the home by tapping her when the phone rings or he hears any strange noises, and by pacing in front of her if someone is at the door.

The black and white cat even brings the post and slippers to Ms Moss, who lives on her own in Derbyshire.

She said with Zebby around she doesn’t feel lonely and “can’t imagine life without [him]”.

She added: “Without my hearing aid, I can’t hear anything, but now I have Zebby to help me. He’ll come and tap me when the phone is ringing, and then I can pop my hearing aid and speaker on and take the call.”

Dubbed a “hero” by his owner, Zebby beat thousands of other felines to receive the prestigious award after deliberation by a panel of celebrities including former goalkeeper David Seaman MBE and high-profile vet Dr Scott Miller.

Ms Moss said: “I am so proud of Zebby for showing the world how intuitive and caring cats can be, and what a positive effect they can have on people’s lives.

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“I can’t imagine life without Zebby and I’m over the moon that he’s been honoured in the National Cat Awards.”

She added how the bond between the two was “very close”.

“He loves to be around me – wherever I am, he’s not far behind,” she said.

Cats Protection held the event in London on Monday, where Zebby won a trophy and a prize package including a £200 pet store voucher.

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Event organiser Ashley Fryer said: “From the moment we read his entry form, we knew Zebby was something special.

“Zebby is clearly devoted to Genevieve, and their story highlights the powerful bond that exists between people and their cats. He’s a shining example of the joy and comfort a cat can bring.”

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