A mum has revealed how the family cat helps save her daughter’s life.
Jessica Swift, 17, from Harrogate, north Yorkshire, has epilepsy which causes her to suffer up to three seizures a week.
But luckily for mum Zoe Curtis, 45, and step-dad Daniel Carrington, 46, there’s an extra set of watchful eyes throughout the night helping make sure the teen gets the help she needs – the family cat, Max.
The eight-year-old was never trained but has formed an incredible protective instinct over Jessica, and has taught himself to alert her parents whenever the poorly teen has a seizure.
While there is also an alarm on Jessica’s bed, Max proves to be a quick thinker – racing up to the parent’s bedroom, where he only ventures in times of crisis, to secure help for his owner.
“Max is always on the case, running to let us know we need to come and help Jessica when she has a seizure,” Zoe told NeedToKnow.online.
“Technology sometimes fails so it’s good to know Max is there and will come and let us know when something is wrong.
“After she’s had a seizure, he’ll cuddle up close to her, which is such a comfort for her.
“Max and Jessica are inseparable, and they get so much enjoyment from each other’s company.
“Whenever Jessica has been in respite care, where she stays one night a week, Max is just not himself, he paces around and then just jumps into her arms as soon as she gets home.
“In the mornings when Jessica’s not had a seizure Max will get off Jessica’s bed and come down for his breakfast, but on seizure days he stays with Jessica.
“Max sleeps in Jessica’s room, on her bed. When Jessica gets up and comes downstairs, so does Max. When Jessica goes upstairs, Max does too. Whatever room Jessica is in, Max is there too.
“When Jessica leaves for school Max sits in the window and watches her go. When she’s at school Max will sleep in her room.
“Jessica will have little tea parties for her toys, and Max always joins in.
“The love they have for each other is clear for everyone to see.
“In Max, Jessica has a best friend and a constant companion.”
As well as epilepsy, Jessica has a rare chromosome disorder – known as 15q11.2 deletion – which also contributes to the seizures, and also has autism and learning disabilities.
The clever moggy has his own health issues, with a heart condition that requires daily medication – which he will only accept from his favourite family member.
Zoe added: “Jessica will hold him while I give him his tablet – there’s no one else he’ll allow to do that.”
Max also received national attention after being honoured as a finalist in the Cats Protection’s National Cat Awards 2022.
Entries for the National Cat Awards 2023 are now open until Friday 24 February if you know an equally deserving moggy.
