BOROUGH cat owners can share their special love for felines by writing a story.
Cats Protection has announced the launch of a national short story competition, and invites aspiring writers from across the UK to submit imaginative tales that celebrate the unique bond between cats and humans.
Whether heart warming, magical or mysterious, entries must feature cats at their core and highlight the special connection they share with people.
Stories will be judged by authors Jane Fallon and Anne Twist, as well as Scottish television presenter and mental health advocate Gail Porter and comedian Matt Richardson.
“Cats have a magical place in my heart,” said Gail.
“My cat knows everything.
“Her special presence makes me feel so happy and I hope I do the same for her.
“I’m delighted to be involved in a competition that involves magical, wonderful stories about what makes cats so special.
“I can’t wait to read them all.”
The winning entries will be published in The Cat magazine and showcased on Cats Protection’s website, offering writers a valuable platform to share their work.
There are two categories to enter: that of childrens literature and adult literature.
Both category winners will also win a goody bag gifted by competition partner, Cult Pens, each with a retail value of £350 as well as being offered a visit to a Cats Protection adoption centre to meet the felines awaiting rehoming.
“This competition is a wonderful opportunity to explore the charm, mystery and companionship of cats through storytelling,” said Abby Jackson from Cats Protection.
“We’re excited to read the creative ways people capture the human-cat bond.”
The competition is open to residents of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, aged 18 or over.
Stories must be original, written in English, and 250 to 1,000 words long.
Entrants should complete an entry form and pay the fee of £10 per entry (one entry per person per category), after which they will receive instructions for submitting their stories via email.
The last day for submissions is Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
All stories must include or centre around a cat, and writers are encouraged to refer to Cats Protection’s Cat Welfare guidance to ensure responsible representation.
Full terms and conditions, along with tips from the judging panel, can be found at cats.org.uk/shortstory
