Cats Protection Cat Tales is a brand-new short story competition where we’re inviting aspiring writers to share their most imaginative with us.
Whether it’s a heartwarming tale of hope, a magical adventure, or a mischievous mystery, this is your chance to let your imagination run free. The only thing we ask is that entries feature cats at their core and highlight the special connection that they share with people.
Winning stories will be:
Jane Fallon is the multi-award-winning television producer behind shows such as This Life, Teachers and 20 Things to Do Before You're 30. Her Sunday Times bestselling books - Getting Rid of Matthew, Got You Back, Foursome, The Ugly Sister, Skeletons, Strictly Between Us, My Sweet Revenge, Faking Friends, Tell Me a Secret, Queen Bee, Worst Idea Ever, Just Got Real and Over Sharing - have sold over over a million copies in the UK.
Anne Twist began writing poems in 2017 after suffering the loss of her beloved husband. Writing helped her navigate through grief. Her garden in the countryside became her inspiration and brought her peace as her craft grew. Born in the south of England, Anne is mother to Gemma and Harry. Reading to them constantly, especially at bedtime when they were little, was a huge part of raising her children. She hopes her debut book, Betty and the Mysterious Visitor, becomes part of your bedtime routine.
For the best part of a decade, Gail was one of the most ubiquitous faces on British television, presenting legendary shows like Top of the Pops and The Big Breakfast. She swiftly made a name for herself in children’s television, presenting long-running shows Fully Booked, How 2 and Live & Kicking among others.
Since then Gail has been a vocal mental health advocate and championed many causes. In 2019 BBC Scotland made the documentary with her, Being Gail Porter, which went on to win a BAFTA. A regular attendee since she was a child, Hung Drawn & Portered was her debut show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2023.
Having started stand-up in 2009 at 18 years old, Matt became one of the youngest comedians on the circuit andsoon made it through to the finals of two national stand-up competitions – all while still in his teens. In 2013 Matt headed out on his first ever award-winning tour Hometown Hero in 2013. It was to 54 dates into spring 2014. After a break from touring he took a brand new show to Edinburgh in 2017 – called Slash – which gained several 5 star reviews and went onto tour for 60 dates.
Jump forward to 2020 and Matt is a seasoned TV host, having presented shows such as The Hangover Games (E4), Celebrity Haunted Mansion and Celebrity HauntedHotel (W) alongside Christine Lampard, and helming the spin off shows for both alone. In 2024 Matt will be heading back off on tour around the UK with his new show Brash.
"Cats have a magical place in my heart. 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.”
All stories must include or be about a cat. Please refer to our Cat Welfare guidance for information on representing cats responsibly
There are two entry categories, one for children’s literature (aimed at readers aged under 16) and one for adults’ literature
Entrants should submit their entry into one of the categories and submissions should be no more than 1,000 words
Only one entry is allowed per person. However, entrants can submit one story per category, and a separate entry fee must be paid per category entry
The competition is open to entries between Tuesday 20 January and Tuesday 31 March 2026. All entries received outside the entry period will not be accepted
Entries to the competition must be written in English