A talented cat from the Isle of Wight showcased her unusual skills to take a top spot in the RSPCA’s first ever virtual pet show.
2-year-old black and white rescue cat, Bettie, entertained with her ability to play fetch with a ball in a humorous clip shared by her owner Charlotte Atkinson.
Charlotte, who adopted Bettie from the RSPCA Isle of Wight branch’s Godshill Animal Rescue Centre, said:
“I have had cats all my life but never had a cat quite like Bettie. I don’t think she realises that she is a cat sometimes. Her little quirks are like none I’ve experienced before, like her playing fetch and the way she back chats when she is being naughty!
“Without Bettie I would be lost, she is like a naughty child but I wouldn’t change her for the world, she helps me so much when I’m anxious, it’s as if she knows I’m not feeling well and she will just sit by my side purring away and I love her so so much.”
Playful Bettie wasn’t the only winner from the Island, with 12-year-old Harold winning the judges over to be crowned the charity’s ‘Golden Oldie’ winner much to the delight of his owners Debbie and Cliff Whiteley, who hope their prized rescue cat will inspire others to give older animals the second chance they desperately deserve.
Debbie added:
“We urge anyone who is considering adopting a pet to look at the older cats – with an established nature, a calm settled outlook and oodles of affection to give – what is there not to love. Visit your local rescue centre and seek out your own ‘Harold’ – you will not regret it.”
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The Island’s prize winning kitties had joined proud pet owners, RSPCA experts and celebrity guests, who joined together on Sunday (14th June) to take part in the animal welfare charity’s first ever virtual pet show.
The RSPCA’s One Fun Day offered the charity a chance to showcase the work of its centres and branches and raise much needed funds as well as select a national pet champion chosen by a panel of judges live on Zoom.
Suzanne Pugh, manager at RSPCA Isle of Wight, said:
“We’re really proud of all the animals and their owners from the Island who joined the RSPCA One Fun Day virtual pet show and over the moon to see Bettie and Harold winning on the big day.
“They’ve brought joy at a time we all need some and show people just how amazing it is to welcome a rescue animal into your life.”
“Rescuing and rehoming animals here on the Isle of Wight couldn’t stop despite the coronavirus outbreak. These animals needed us and we had to be there for them but it’s been really difficult, especially at a time when we’ve sadly lost many of the vital donations we’d raise from events and activities.”
