A MONMOUTHSHIRE moggie is in line to win a national award after being shortlisted as one of the finalists for the National Cat Awards.

Seven-year-old Spike beat hundreds of other felines to take his place as one of three in the Most Caring Cat category, celebrating cats which have had a positive impact on their owner’s health or wellbeing.

The Abergavenny cat claimed his place as a finalist after helping Maria Price cope and giving her the inspiration to recover after a rare illness left her paralysed almost overnight.

“I have a rare neurological disorder called Transverse Myelitis which came on very suddenly and left me paralysed. I lost control of my arms, hands and legs and was in hospital for a month,” said Ms Price, 38, of Merthyr Road, Llanfoist.

“Coming home was tough but Spike gave me so much comfort and support. He would always come and sit with me and could see I was still myself.”

Should Spike win his category at the awards ceremony organised by Cats Protection, he could be name the National Cat of the Year.

“Spike gives me so much fight – I am desperate to be able to play with him like I once did, so every day he is my therapy,” said his owner.

“I have started getting some feeling back in my right arm and it is such a joy to be able to stroke him again.”