Cats Protection has launched a new national short story competition, inviting aspiring writers across the UK to put pen to paper and share imaginative tales celebrating the special bond between cats and humans.

The charity is encouraging entries that are heartwarming, magical or mysterious, with one key requirement – cats must be at the very centre of every story, highlighting the unique connection they share with people.

Stories will be judged by a high-profile panel including bestselling author Jane Fallon, writer Anne Twist, Scottish television presenter and mental health advocate Gail Porter, and comedian Matt Richardson.

Porter said she was thrilled to be involved, describing cats as having “a magical place” in her heart. “My cat always knows… well, my cat knows everything,” she said. “Her special presence makes me feel so happy and I hope I do the same for her. I can’t wait to read all the wonderful stories people have about what makes cats so special.”

Winning entries will be published in The Cat magazine and showcased on the Cats Protection website, giving writers a valuable platform to share their work with a wider audience.

Both category winners will also receive a goody bag worth £350 from competition partner Cult Pens, as well as the chance to visit a Cats Protection adoption centre to meet cats currently awaiting rehoming.

The competition is open to residents of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland aged 18 or over. There are two categories – children’s literature and adult literature – with stories required to be original, written in English, and between 250 and 1,000 words.

Entries cost £10, and the competition runs from Tuesday 20 January until Tuesday 31 March 2026. Writers are also encouraged to refer to Cats Protection’s welfare guidance to ensure responsible representation of cats in their stories.

Abby Jackson from Cats Protection said: “This competition is a wonderful opportunity to explore the charm, mystery and companionship of cats through storytelling. We’re excited to read the creative ways people capture the human-cat bond.”

Full details, terms and judging tips can be found at www.cats.org.uk/shortstory.