While some pupils drag their feet to school, one fluffy four-legged resident has made it her mission to turn up — every single day. Rain, shine or snow, Kiki the cat is there, waiting at the gates.
And now, with a spotless “attendance record” and the admiration of pupils, parents and staff, the two-year-old moggy is in the running for a national award.
Kiki Walks Sonny to School — Then Waits Outside Like a Loyal Friend
Every morning, 10-year-old Sonny walks to school in Glasgow. Right beside him, tail up and ears twitching, is Kiki. She doesn’t carry a backpack, but she does have purpose.
She strolls alongside Sonny and his friends, through side streets and across quiet roads, all the way to the school gate. Then she waits — for hours — until it’s home time. And she does this every day.
“She’s basically part of the school now,” said one teacher. “The kids adore her. Even staff know her name.”
The school’s headteacher joked Kiki had “100% attendance,” a figure most actual pupils can only dream of.
Not Just a Pet — Kiki’s Now a Community Star
Kiki’s daily dedication has turned her into something more than a family cat. She’s become a furry thread weaving together the whole school community.
She’s not just padding about the gates. She’s giving kids a reason to smile on tough mornings, something to look forward to at break, and a topic for conversation beyond homework and who brought the best snack.
The community impact has been so heartwarming that Kiki has been nominated for the National Cat Awards 2025, in the Connected Cats category.
This award isn’t about cute whiskers or Instagram fame. It recognises felines that help bring people together — and Kiki’s doing just that.
How Kiki’s School Routine Works
Want to know just how regular her visits are? Here’s a look at her day — give or take a few paw-licking breaks.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:15 AM | Leaves home with Sonny |
| 8:30 AM | Arrives at school gate |
| 8:35 AM | Waits outside while pupils head in |
| 10:30 AM | Stretches and greets at breaktime |
| 12:15 PM | Gets a few strokes from lunch staff |
| 3:00 PM | Sits up and waits for school bell |
| 3:15 PM | Walks home with Sonny and friends |
Her commitment has become so predictable that one teacher joked, “If Kiki’s not at the gate, we know something’s off with the weather.”
Kids Learn from Kiki — And Not Just About Cats
Beyond cuteness, Kiki’s presence has proven educational. She’s helped spark conversations about animal care, pet behaviour and even kindness.
“Some of the children had never had close contact with a cat before,” said a staff member. “Kiki’s taught them how to be gentle, how to respect boundaries — even how to tell when an animal wants space.”
Here’s what Kiki’s taught the children — without a single meow:
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Respect: Don’t pull tails or chase; animals aren’t toys
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Empathy: Notice how others feel — even if they don’t speak
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Routine: Showing up matters — just like Kiki does
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Responsibility: Helping care for a community pet teaches real life skills
Even children who struggle socially find it easier to connect with Kiki. “Some talk more to her than their classmates,” said a teaching assistant. “And that’s okay.”
The National Cat Awards Put Kiki in the Spotlight
Run by Cats Protection, the National Cat Awards have been honouring standout moggies since 2005. Categories include Outstanding Rescue, Furr-ever Friends, and of course, Connected Cats.
Kiki’s nomination places her alongside a handful of other whiskered wonders making a difference in schools, care homes and even hospitals across the UK.
Judges consider:
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How the cat connects with the wider community
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Their impact on wellbeing, learning or companionship
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Whether their story resonates with the public
Public voting is set to open in July, and the awards ceremony will be held in London later this summer.
For Sonny and his family, it’s surreal. “We always knew she was special,” his mum said. “Now everyone else does too.”
Not the First Scottish Star Cat — But Definitely the Sweetest
Scotland has a bit of a thing for famous cats. From Hamish McHamish in St Andrews — a ginger tom so beloved he earned a statue — to Jordan the station cat in Edinburgh, felines seem to hold a special place in the country’s heart.
But Kiki’s story feels different. It’s less about viral fame and more about quiet consistency.
She didn’t ask for attention. She just… kept turning up. Day after day.
And in a world full of noise, that’s the kind of loyalty that really sticks.
