Minty is an irrepressible cat who knows about adversity, and it’s for this reason he shares a very special bond with his human brother, Connor Raven. The adorable 3-legged cat spends his days doing the things cats do — playing and purring and generally making the world a much nicer place. But this beautiful, plushy-furred cat has also helped his young friend deal with some of life’s bigger hurdles and snuggles with him at bedtime to help him feel calm.
Connor And Minty Can Teach Us Much About Handling Adversity With Grace.
Photo courtesy Cats Protection/YouTube
Minty has, in fact, helped Connor so much that Cats Protection, the largest feline welfare charity in the UK, has honored him as Cat of The Year, Metro reports.
The nine-year-old kitty beat hundreds of other entries for the “top spot,” winning because of his special bond with young Connor, who struggles daily with severe learning disorders and medical conditions that include ataxic cerebral palsy. Perhaps Minty has an intuitive nature because he has also had to struggle after a road accident left him with three legs. He’s always there to help Connor settle in at mealtimes and he helps him with tasks like climbing the stairs.
Screenshot Cats Protection/YouTube
There is often quiet strength in bonds such as these, and Siobhan Cobb is grateful people are beginning to appreciate Minty for the sweet cat that he is.
“He is a huge part of our family unit and it is lovely to share the unique bond the boys have,” she told Metro.
“Minty demonstrates how clever, affectionate, and dependable cats can be,” she said. “We can always rely on him to make everything better, and he is the best friend that Connor needs and deserves.”
Photo courtesy of Metro
There Were Other Cats With Inspiring Stories
Some of the other feline finalists include sweet Doris. She has helped her human sister, Delilah, 8 endure grueling chemotherapy to fight leukemia for the past two years. Doris has kept the little girl’s spirits up and has helped cheer her older brother Dylan, 14.
Doris and Delilah. Photo courtesy of Cats Protection
Then there’s the story of tiny Simba, who wound up being a rock for his human mom, Liz. She took him in to help him recuperate from serious injuries. Within the days that followed, Liz’s husband Paul wound up in the hospital suffering from complications due to cancer. Understandably this left the couple’s son Ben afraid and lonely. Simba became a source of comfort for Ben even as Paul lost his battle.
Simba, Liz, and Ben. Photo courtesy of Cats Protection
In Their Own Way, Cats Can Motivate Us.
Perhaps the most important thing Minty does for Connor and his mom Siobhan is by demonstrating that even when difficult tasks look impossible, they can be done. Siobhan believes that Minty’s unstinting courage in the face of adversity may be the spark that’s led her son to be happier.
“Together, they are unstoppable, whatever comes their way,” she says. “Minty’s a really inspirational cat and we love him to bits.”
A panel of celebrity judges, including comedian Russell Kane, chose the winner. And he was clearly in Minty’s corner.
“I truly believe cats aren’t used enough in teaching companionship and therapeutic ways, he says.
“For me, Minty’s story drives forward the argument that cats are wonderful creatures, not just for them being furry and being stroked, but for the emotional benefits, the teaching benefits, and the assistance they can bring to people’s lives.”
For many of us, cats by their very essence are a calming presence. Their gentle purring, and healing warmth bring compassion to a world that is all too often, very cruel.
