Cats Protection launches short story competition (open until 31st March 2026)

Grizabella in her new home, reading. (Credit: Sam Osborne)

Cats Protection has announced the launch of a national short story competition, inviting aspiring writers from across the UK to submit imaginative tales that celebrate the unique bond between cats and humans.

Whether heartwarming, magical or mysterious, entries must feature cats at their core and highlight the special connection they share with people.

Stories will be judged by acclaimed authors Jane Fallon and Anne Twist as well as Scottish television presenter and mental health advocate Gail Porter and comedian Matt Richardson.

“Cats have a magical place in my heart,” said Gail. “My cat always knows… well, my cat knows everything! Her special presence makes me feel so happy and I hope I do the same for her. I’m delighted to be involved in a competition that involves the many magical, wonderful stories you have about what makes cats so special to you. I can’t wait to read them all.”

The winning entries will be published in The Cat magazine and showcased on Cats Protection’s website, offering writers a valuable platform to share their work.

Both category winners will also win a goody bag gifted by competition partner, Cult Pens, each with a retail value of £350 as well as being offered a visit to a Cats Protection adoption centre to meet the cats awaiting rehoming.

Eligibility

• Open to residents of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
• Entrants must be aged 18 or over
• Stories must be original and written in English
• Two categories: children’s literature and adult literature
• Minimum word count 250 words, maximum word count: 1,000 words
• Stories must use Arial, 12pt, be double-spaced and be submitted by a word document or PDF using the entry form with the short story title as the file name
• One entry per person per category (separate entry fee required)

Entry Process

• Complete the entry form and pay the fee of £10
• Instructions for submitting stories will be sent via email
• The competition is open to entries between Tuesday 20st January and Tuesday 31 March 2026.

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

All stories must include or centre around a cat. Writers are encouraged to refer to Cats Protection’s Cat Welfare guidance to ensure responsible representation.

Full terms and conditions, along with tips from the judging panel, can be found at cats.org.uk/shortstory