England soccer legend David Seaman’s shock ardour away from the highlight

Cats are known to be fiercely independent, but they can also be loyal and loving. Some even go above and beyond for their owners.

Every year, extraordinary felines from across the country are celebrated at the National Cat Awards. Organised by Cats Protection, the event shines a light on real-life stories of heroism, loyalty and companionship. Here Star Paws columnist Catherine Lamb speaks to two of the judges – ex-England goalie David Seaman and his wife, former ice skater Frankie.

Feline fanatics David and Frankie Seaman are never very far from a cat. They have three of their own, all Cats Protection rescues – 13-year-old Willow, and two-year old sisters Coco and Candy.

So it made perfect sense for them to join the judging panel for the National Cat Awards.

“We love having cats, they’re so curious and funny and affectionate,” says David, 62. “It’s great to come home and have them greet us at the gate and settle in with us in whichever room we end up in the house.”

The couple sadly lost their fourth moggy, 18-year-old Smokey, at the end of July. Frankie says: “He was a real character and the boss of all of the other cats in the house. He was incredibly smart, extremely affectionate and very loved.”

The 53-year-old spent 35 years as a professional ice skater. But these days she’s devoted to fostering pregnant cats and kittens at the family home in rural Berkshire, which even has a dedicated feline nursery.

A proud David explains: “She is extraordinarily experienced in caring for the most vulnerable animals and the work she does saves lives.”

Frankie, who met David through ITV series Dancing On Ice, has been rescuing cats since before she started school.

She says: “I’ve done it all over the world, as I travelled extensively for decades in my former job as a pro skater. I always say rescue never sleeps, and that’s particularly true in the case of orphaned kittens.

“There are cases where hand-reared kittens will need feeding every hour day and night for weeks. But it’s so rewarding to be able to save them and give them a chance at life.”

The couple have been judging the National Cat Awards for many years – and in 2025, helped pick Cat of the Year winner Fizz. They were equally taken by Void, who came first in the Incredible Cats category.

“It’s always a really hard choice when you hear all the stories,” says David. “They’re all so heartwarming but it’s almost impossible to choose between them.”

Void

Clever Void was a natural choice for the Incredible Cats prize. He’s been a lifesaver for owner Laura Welch, thanks to his uncanny ability to predict when she’s about to have a seizure.

Laura, 28, has Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia, which causes dizziness and an abnormally high resting heart rate. But when an episode is about to strike, Void stands on her chest and taps her with his paw. “I have no idea how Void does it but he’s never once been wrong!” she says.

It took a while for Laura, from Shepperton, Surrey, to recognise when five-year-old Void was trying to warn her. She recalls how, on one occasion, she had a seizure in bed at night and cracked three teeth.

“I remember the only reason I was in bed was because of him,” she says. “I can recall he pawed at me before bed, meowed at me in his quietest voice, didn’t stop until I went to bed, then he laid on my chest.”

David and Frankie were blown away by Void’s amazing relationship with his owner.

Frankie says: “To have a companion who not only comforts you but physically helps you in a time of need is an absolute life saver.

“Sometimes people just see pets as pets and don’t always get to hear about the extraordinary bonds that can develop.”

Fizz

Ginger tomcat Fizz was named National Cat of the Year for bringing joy to his community in Powys, Wales.

He’s a constant presence in the town of Llandrindod Wells, spotted everywhere from the newsagents to the theatre, library and gym. His wandering ways have made him a local hero – and even led to calls for him to run for mayor.

Owner Briony Loder says it started when he first went exploring at the age of nine months. The office manager set up a Facebook page to try and find him, earning him the nickname Fizz Wanderer.

Briony, 59, adds: “The stories we hear from folks are priceless. He once gate-crashed a wedding and ended up in the photos.

He put a halt to the British outdoor bowling championship semi-finals by strolling onto the green, and he’s been appointed assistant director by the local theatre company as he attends all their rehearsals!”

David says Fizz was “at the other end of the scale” to Void, in terms of how cats can make an impact.

“Bringing together an entire community and bringing joy and connection to so many people,” he adds. “We felt that was truly worth celebrating.”