An affectionate cat named Kiki never misses a day of school.
Every morning, even if she’s sleeping or only half awake, the Scottish cat can sense when her housemate, 10-year-old Sonny, is getting ready for school.
Then, the spotted white cat will walk with Sonny and his classmates to school in Glasgow, Scotland, wait on the playground during the day, and then walk the students home once school concludes.
Kiki’s daily devotion has made her an unofficial mascot for the school. A head teacher recognized the feline for her “100% attendance record.” And now, Kiki has been nominated for a UK National Cat Award.
“She’s brought a lot of joy to the children, staff and school community,” Kiki’s owner, 51-year-old Michelle Scott told reporters. “She’s given the teachers an opportunity to teach children how to treat cats and respect them.”
Sonny chose Kiki from among a litter of cats for his eighth birthday gift—and the bond between the boy and his cat became a love-fest.
Before long, it extended to his friends, then his classmates, and soon the entire school community in the south of Glasgow.
Sonny’s mom continued, “I’ve always had cats but Kiki is like no cat I’ve known. She’s really sociable. Whenever Sonny had friends round, she would sit with them as if she was one of them.”
Kiki’s social connections and community impact have made her one of three finalists in the National Cat Awards in the category called Connected Cats. The contest organizer is the UK’s largest cat welfare charity, Cats Protection.
Last year, a black and white cat named Marley won the National Cat Award for his work as a support animal in a safe haven shelter for crime victims.
BELOVED CAT RETURNS AFTER DECADE: Man is ‘Overwhelmed’ as His Bengal Cat is Returned From 16-year Absence After a Phone Call
The public can vote for Kiki—and all the categories—on the website until July 31. Winners of each category will be announced on September 24, when a panel of judges will select one winner as the National Cat of the Year 2025.
Perhaps, the winner will be the cat that never misses a day of school.
SHARE THIS STORY WITH A CAT FAN YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON…