Cat who walks children to school named finalist in Cats Protection National Cat Awards 2025

A cat from Glasgow who accompanies children on their daily walk to school has been named a finalist in the Cats Protection National Cat Awards 2025.

Two-year-old Kiki has been shortlisted in the Connected Cats category, which recognises cats that bring people together and make a positive impact in their communities.

Kiki was nominated for her daily routine of following ten-year-old Sonny and his friends to Kelvindale Primary, waiting in the playground, and then walking home with them.

Her presence has become well known among pupils, parents, and staff, with the headteacher noting her “100% attendance”.

Kiki’s owner Michelle Scott said: “She’s really sociable. She really loves children and has done so from the moment we got her.

“She follows Sonny and his friends to school every day, waits in the playground, then follows them home again.

“Everyone loves it – they get so excited to see a cat in the playground.”

While she isn’t the cuddliest cat, Kiki shows her affection for her humans in other ways.

“She’s not the kind of cat who’ll come and sit on your knee, but she likes to sleep at the bottom of Sonny’s bed, almost to protect him.

“She enjoys being outside and around people. She’s very trusting.”

Sometimes, her curiosity takes her one step too far, including walking right into the classroom.

“She goes in and sits and looks at people – Sonny’s had to go in and get her out!” Michelle added.

Social worker Michelle, 51, says Kiki is part of the family – and practically “one of the children”.

“She’s often still half asleep when Sonny gets ready for school, but once she hears him leave, she jumps off the bed and runs downstairs to catch up.

“If the children stop or get distracted, she’ll run ahead as if to say, ‘Come on.’”

Michelle says Kiki has become an “unofficial school cat,” bringing the community together and offering a way to teach children about kindness to animals.

“The staff have been so positive and lovely about it. I was worried about the cat in the school, but they’ve really embraced her as their unofficial mascot.

“The children are really excited about her nomination – it shows how popular she is.”

Purr-fect attendance: Kiki walks to school every day with her owner, Sonny STV News

Kiki is one of three finalists in her category and will now go through to a public vote, open from 9am on 16 June until 31 July, at www.cats.org.uk/nca.

Winners in each of the four award categories – Connected Cats, Family Cats, Incredible Cats, and Senior Cats – will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on September 24, hosted by writer and presenter Dawn O’Porter.

Category winners will receive a trophy, a £200 pet store voucher, and a year’s subscription to Cats Protection’s The Cat magazine. One cat will also be named National Cat of the Year 2025, receiving an additional overall winner’s trophy.

Last year’s title went to Marley, who was recognised for supporting women recovering from trafficking and exploitation at Caritas Bakhita House in London.