Eric the cat from North Tyneside has been crowned the winner of the Cats Protection National Cat Awards 2023, under the category of Social Star. Adopted by Paul Richardson and Helen Aitchison, Eric had a hard start to life, being homeless and close to death through illness on numerous occasions. The pint-sized puss has gone on to be a social media sensation, bringing smiles and joy to people across the world and winning the title of Social Star.

Eric's purrents attended a star-studded event earlier this week in London, with the awards featuring on BBC's The One Show. The prize was a pawesome trophy and a goody bag from Cat's Protection. Within the prize, Eric won a voucher for Pets at Home and this was used to buy items for three local cat rescue centres; Cats Protection Tyneside Adoption Centre, Willows Cat Adoption Centre, and New Beginnings, who helped save Eric from the streets.

Paul, Eric's dad said,

"We are lucky to have Eric. He is a lovely-natured cat who brings a lot of happiness to people on social media each day, as well as to us.
Eric is like everyone's first cuppa of the day - helps the day start with a smile and people on social media look for that morning post to start their day. 
Getting to the finals was amazing but winning was incredible."

The story of Eric's journey from death's door to thriving in his furever home demonstrates the importance of giving rescue cats a chance. With rescue centres full across the country, Eric is an ambassador for adopt don't shop.

There has been a great deal of local support around the competition, which was decided by public voting. Eric's parents would like to thank the public for their support and vote, alongside thanks to the cat rescue centres involved with promoting the competition, and staff from Theatre Royal, Newcastle and The Sage, Gateshead, who spread the word about Eric.

Follow Eric on Twitter: @erics_escapades and Instagram: @erics_escapades_

For more information about adopting a rescue cat locally, contact:

www.willows-cats.co.uk or Facebook: Willows cat adoption centre

www.newbeginningscatsne.wordpress.com Facebook: New Beginnings Cat Rescue & Rehoming

www.cats.org.uk/tyneside Facebook: Cats Protection Tyneside Adoption Centre