The Cats Protection charity has said nominations are now open for this year's Rescue Cat Awards.

The Cats Protection charity has said nominations are now open for this year's Rescue Cat Awards.

The "Feline Oscars" highlight real-life tales of heroic cats or those which have survived against the odds. Any former stray cat which was rescued by its current owner or was adopted from a welfare group is eligible for nomination.

Cats can be entered for one of four categories: Hero Cat (for saving the day); Ultimate Survivor (when the nine lives have been spent); Best Friends (for those which improve human lives); Most Incredible Story (true stories about cats which defy belief). The closing date for nominations is May 27.

Actor Brian Blessed helped judge the awards in 2008. He said: "As a proud owner of rescue cats down the years, I know what adorable creatures they are and how they constantly amaze their owners. I hope that Cats Protection's Rescue Cat Awards 2010 will attract many entries to remind us of the love, companionship and sheer wonder that rescue cats bring to our lives."

This year's awards are being held on August 4 in New London Theatre.

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