A caring moggie that lives at a safe house for women on the run from trafficking and exploitation has been named National Cat of the Year.

Marley the black-and-white rescue cat has great empathy with people who are suffering and always tries to make them feel better.

Refuge head Karen Anstiss said: “He’s a wonderful example of the power of love. Often Marley placing a paw on our guests’ leg is the first kindness they’ve experienced in years.

“He has this incredible gift of empathy and has assisted many, many women along the road to recovery.”

He was adopted by London’s Caritas Bakhita House four years ago, having been taken into a shelter after being bullied by his owners’ other cat.

Ms Anstiss said: “He recognises our guests’ trauma because he has suffered too. Initially he sits really close, to see how the women respond.

“Then he gently puts a paw on their leg, letting them know they’re not alone. We had one guest who was so traumatised she didn’t speak to us, only Marley. Because she trusted him, over time we were able to reach her.”

Marley is also staff supervisor, security guard patrolling and grounds, and chief gardener – “no one is allowed to touch his patch of daisies”, Ms Antiss said. He is popular for art therapy, often joins the staff and guests at dinner, and even had a song composed for him by one smitten guest.

Ms Antiss added: “Marley really is the fluffy heart of our home.”

The seven-year-old beat thousands of other entries to be named Cat Protection’s 2024 winner.

To reach the final four in the National Cat Awards, Marley first won the incredible cats category, which celebrates pusses whose bond with their humans inspires extraordinary acts of love, in a public vote.

He was then selected as overall National Cat of the Year by a panel of celebrity judges, scooping a trophy and prize package which includes a £200 pet store voucher.