Photos: Meet the finalists for The News & Observer’s ‘cutest cat in the Triangle’ contest
The votes are in and the cutest cat in the Triangle has officially been named.
After multiple rounds for over 100 picture-”pawfect” cats and kittens in the Raleigh area, Winnifred, also known as Winnie, won The News & Observer’s contest.
Though there can only one winner, we want to highlight the other adorable cats and kittens around the area.
Find photos and “aww”-worthy facts for the 30 pets who made it to our final round of voting.
Photos of ‘cutest cat’ contest finalists
Winnie, our contest winner from Raleigh. She is always up to “cat-astrophic mischief,” including opening cabinets and turning paper into confetti.
Linus and Lucy, an “inseparable” duo from Raleigh. Despite their loving relationship, they do like to attack each other.
Rosie, a 12-year-old cat from Durham. The “highly decorated, award-winning feline” won 8th best household pet in a local Cat Fanciers show.
Fitz and Winnie from Raleigh. Their owner says they aren’t related at all, but look like twins.
Chili, a 10-week-old kitten from Chapel Hill. He loves to play, especially hide and seek where he jumps out from behind furniture.
Clarence Day, an 8-year-old cat from Raleigh. He loves getting a brush up and having a good meal.
Cam, a 4-month-old kitten from Chapel Hill. He loves chasing around aluminum foil balls.
Sprout, a 14-year-old cat from Carrboro. His favorite hobby is soliciting pets.
Mr. Charlemagne Moo from Durham. The 2-year-old FIV+ cat was rescued by a Holly Springs neighbor is “now living the good life in the Bull City.”
Percy, a 3.5 month old kitten from Durham. He’s a big fan of playing with his dog brother, Gordie, and finding the tallest spots in his home to climb.
Harlow, a 3-year-old cat from Cary. She enjoys playing with toys in her cat tunnel and can really jump high if a toy is tossed at her.
Hudson, an 11-year-old cat from Raleigh. He is fully blind and has 1.5 teeth. His favorite hobby is cuddling with his parents.
Roger, an 18-month-old cat from Raleigh. He only has one eye, but that doesn’t stop him from playing fetch with plastic spring toys.
Vinny and Bamboo from Raleigh. They’re not related and they each lost their eyes in separate incidents, but they’ve been best best friends since the day they were brought together.
Benny, a 6-year-old cat from Raleigh. Fun fact: He chooses food by directing his head at his preferred snack.
Mahi from Raleigh. The 6-month-old kitten loves playing fetch.
Miep and Sparks from Raleigh. The duo loves cardboard boxes, playing chase with their coil toys and snuggling.
Lemon Zest from Raleigh. The 10-year-old cat enjoys sucking down cat nip.
Salem from Garner. The 5-year-old cat is obsessed with turkey and sleeping in sun beams.
Lord Fable “The Face” Von Fülsgold from Raleigh. His owner says the 3-year-old cat owns a small plot of land in Scotland, making him a legally recognized Lord. He is also known for listening to Alanis Morissette and thinking about overnight oats.
Andy Jr. from Durham. His owner says despite his grumpy face, he is the sweetest and loves people. He’ll even stare at guests until they scratch his chin.
Knuckles from Raleigh. The 1-year-old cat enjoys playing with toys.
Jackie Daytona from Durham. The 4-year-old cat can open doors, fetch, catch, run an obstacle course and give high-fives.
Rosie, a 4-year-old cat from Pittsboro. She loves to lie on her back on the rug and “skritch,” leaving behind an abundance of fur.
Scarlett from Raleigh. Fun fact: She was adopted from Cause for Paws Thrift Shop.
Holly from Holly Springs. The 3-year-old cat knows how to sit if she wants a treat.
Resources for Raleigh/Durham cat owners
There are quite a few groups in the Triangle that offer resources, such as pet food pantries, to pet owners in need of assistance, The N&O previously reported:
▪ No Empty Bowl Project — Part of the Friends of the Wake County Animal Center, the No Empty Bowl Project has been providing free pet food and other pet essentials since March 2020, and it became a permanent program in 2021. The program feeds over 100 families with more than 300 pets per month. Learn more at friendsofwakeanimals.org/no-empty-bowl-project.
▪ SAFE Haven for Cats Pet Food Pantry — SAFE Haven for Cats, a Raleigh-based nonprofit animal shelter, offers “free pet food to pet owners who cannot afford to feed their pets in Wake County.” Learn more and apply for assistance at safehavenforcats.org/programs-and-services/pet-food-pantry.
▪ Orange County Pet Food Assistance — Orange County Animal Services works “to assist Orange County pet owners that need help providing food for their pets due to financial hardships.” Learn more and apply for assistance at orangecountync.gov/2400/Pet-Food-Assistance.
▪ Animal Protection Society of Durham Pet Food Assistance — The Animal Protection Society of Durham gathers pet food “to assist those facing financial hardship” in Durham County. Learn more at apsofdurham.org/pet-owner-resources/assistance-for-pet-owners.
Korie Dean’s reporting contributed to this story.
This story was originally published December 10, 2024 at 12:52 PM.
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