A cat from Abergavenny who helped his owner cope when a rare illness left her paralysed could be in line for a national award.

Seven-year-old Spike beat hundreds of other amazing felines to take his place as one of three shortlisted in the ‘most caring cat’ category of Cats Protection’s national awards 2016.

Spike’s owner Maria Price, 38, of Merthyr Road, said, “I have a rare neurological disorder called Transverse Myelitis which came on very suddenly and left me paralysed. I lost control of my arms, hands and legs and was in hospital for a month.

“During my time in hospital, I missed Spike so much and was desperate to get back to him. Coming home was tough but Spike gave me so much comfort and support. He would always come and sit with me and could see I was still myself.

“Spike gives me so much fight – I am desperate to be able to play with him like I once did, so every day he is my therapy. I have started getting some feeling back in my right arm and it is such a joy to be able to stroke him again.

“Whenever things have been tough, I can confide in Spike and he shares my ups and downs with me. He is incredibly patient and gives me so much incentive to get better.”

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday August 4 at The Savoy in London - an event made possible thanks to the sponsor.

If Spike wins his category he will also be in with a chance of being crowned National Cat of the Year, following in the paw prints of previous winner Nelson, a one-eyed former stray from County Durham, who survived near drowning and 15 years living rough.

Cats Protection’s awards organiser Kate Bunting said, “It’s incredibly touching to hear how Spike has been there to help Maria cope during such a difficult time. Not only has he supported her during the bad times, he is there to spur her on in her recovery and is clearly a very special cat.”

A spokesperson from sponsors Purina said, “We are delighted to celebrate our long-standing support of Cats Protection and the amazing work it does by once again sponsoring its National Cat Awards.

“We believe that people and pets are better together and that, when they bond, life becomes richer. The awards are a great platform for cat owners across the UK to share inspirational stories of how that special bond with their pets has improved their lives. We wish all the finalists the best of luck and look forward to congratulating the overall winner on the day.”

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and helps around 200,000 cats each year through its national network of over 250 volunteer-run branches and 32 centres. To adopt a cat please visit www.cats.org.uk or call the charity’s national helpline on 03000 12 12 12.