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Got a story to tell? We’d love to read it. 

Get ready to spark your creativity! We’re inviting aspiring writers to share their most imaginative short stories in our brand-new competition.  

Whether it’s a heartwarming tale of hope, a magical adventure, or a mischievous mystery, this is your chance to let your imagination roam free. All we ask is that your entry includes cats and focuses on the bond between cats and humans!  

Why enter?

Your story could be: 

  • Judged by celebrity authors Jane Fallon and Anne Twist 
  • Published in The Cat Magazine 
  • Featured on the Cats Protection website and on our social channels  

This is a unique opportunity to showcase your storytelling talent and celebrate one of the nation’s favourite pet companions. 

Meet the judges


Jane Fallon

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

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.

How to take part 

  • Complete the entry form and pay your entry fee 
  • Once completed, you’ll receive an email for you to submit your story  
  • You have until Tuesday 31 March to submit your story 

 

 

  • The competition is open to residents of the UK (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland only). It is not open to Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Republic of Ireland residents. 
  • Entrants must be aged 18 or over. 
  • Submissions must be the entrant’s original work.  

 

  • All stories must include or be about a cat. Please refer to the Cat Welfare guidance for information on representing cats responsibly. 
  • There are two entry categories, one for children’s literature 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 (in either category) is allowed per person. Entrants can submit one story per category, and a separate entry fee must be paid per category entry. Any extra entries will not be accepted. 
  • 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. 
  • For full terms and conditions visit [INCLUDE LINK]. 

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to tell your best cat tales! Enter today.  

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