A new study by Compare the Market Australia has placed Brisbane as third best city for cat lovers globally, with Australia and Canada dominating the top placements.

This study has ranked 59 cities around the world to see which is the best for cat lovers.

Compare the Market Australia revealed that the sunshine state’s capital, Brisbane, placed third worldwide for cities for cat lovers. Brisbane, and Australian cities as a whole topped the index for average size of dwellings. Brisbane in particular boasts a high number of vets and cat boarding services per capita, ensuring high accessibility for any cat owners.

The Polish capital, Warsaw, topped in the index with excellent scores across every metric measured. Warsaw housed the highest amount of cat boarding services per capita of any city within the index, as well as cat cafes per capita. 

The European city also boasted the second highest number of vets per capita, losing the top spot only to its European neighbour, Prague. Where Warsaw was weakest was in average dwelling size, landing in 27th spot on the list.

Auckland placed second in the study, with the second highest average dwelling size and household cat ownership rate. The city also scored highly with its cat cafes per capita.

Across the index, Australian and Canadian cities tended to perform far above average. This is mostly attributed to their large dwelling sizes and highly accessible cat services.

	Per 100,000 Metro Population
City	Vets	Cat Boarding Services	Pet Stores	Cat Cafes	Cat Ownership	Average Dwelling Size (sqm)	Index Total
Warsaw, Poland	13.9	2.4	2.6	0.3	41%	131	8.88
Auckland, New Zealand	9.3	1.6	2.5	0.3	41%	202	8.73
Brisbane, Australia	8.9	2.2	2.1	0.1	33%	214	7.87
Calgary, Canada	10.2	1.7	5.8	0.1	40%	181	7.79
Edmonton, Canada	9.6	1.5	4.0	0.1	40%	181	7.61
Ottawa-Gatineau, Canada	11.0	2.3	3.4	0.0	40%	181	7.09
Perth, Australia	9.8	2.0	2.2	0.0	33%	214	6.92
Vancouver, Canada	6.1	0.8	2.9	0.1	40%	181	6.87
Sydney, Australia	4.1	1.5	1.2	0.1	33%	214	6.83

To view the full dataset, click here.

Compare the Market’s Executive General Manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor, notes the importance of considering pet insurance.

“Whether you’re a cat or a dog person, pet insurance may help cover accidents or illnesses your little friends may encounter.

“Depending on the level and type of pet insurance cover, this type of insurance can help you pay expensive vet bills if your pet needs care.

“Keep in mind that pet insurance does not always cover your pet for pre-existing medical conditions, so it’s important to insure your pets as early as you can, and understand what your policy covers.”

“Ultimately, your cat’s wellbeing and happiness is influenced the most by how well they’re cared for in their home rather than where their home is.”

Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) to check for the inclusions, limits and restrictions before purchasing to make sure the product is suitable.

References:

1. For full results, please visit: Best Cities for Cat Lovers

MEDIA RELEASE, 6th January 2025

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It's a new day. It's a new month. It's a New Year. And it's time to discover new books celebrating our feline friends!

Whether you chose to spend your summer holidays at home or away, here are our top picks for this January 2025 selection of our Cat Lovers Book Club.

THE INTERPRETATION OF CATS
Understanding the Psychology of Our Feline Companions
by Claude Béata, David Watson (Translator)

From a leading veterinary psychiatrist, a ground-breaking exploration into the minds of our feline companions and "a guide to being the best humans we can be for our cats" (Focus Vif).

Cats are mysterious creatures, and the relationship between humans and cats has never been simple. Curious and affectionate, independent and uninterested, predator and prey. 

Their true nature continues to elude us, and their subtle and complex behavioural problems can often seem unsolvable or incomprehensible. So, how can we tell if a cat is suffering? What are the root causes of feline aggression? And how can we treat patients who can't speak for themselves?

In this fascinating book - already a bestseller in its native France - Veterinary doctor and psychiatrist Claude Béata draws on cutting-edge research and decades of experience to revolutionise our understanding of cats and transform our appreciation of feline mental wellbeing. Here, we meet Nougatine, a Siamese suffering from bipolar dysthymic disorder, Tabatha, an anxious Ragdoll with attachment issues, and Melly, an Abyssinian struggling with a feline form of schizophrenia - as well as their owners who seek advice and support.

Charming, surprising, and offering illuminating insight into a range of disorders, Béata's book calls for greater compassion and provides a new way of understanding cat behaviour so we can care for the mental, and physical wellness of our beloved furry friends.

Hardcover, 272 pages
Publisher: Scribner Books Company, 15th October 2024

RRP: $40.21 from www.booktopia.com.au

CATS OF THE WORLD
by Hannah Shaw, Andrew Marttila

Hannah "Kitten Lady" Shaw and professional cat photographer Andrew Marttila journey to thirty countries to bring you hundreds of photos and stories of cats from every corner of the world.

Wife and husband team Hannah Shaw and Andrew Marttila have made cats their lives' work- they rescue and rehabilitate neonatal kittens, educate the public on cat and kitten care, and capture our feline friends' unique personalities through writing and photography.

Now, in the project of their dreams, they've taken their passion for cats global. In Cats of the World, Shaw and Marttila travel across thirty countries to explore feline welfare and cat culture around the globe, documenting their travels with stunning photos and stories from each location.

Journey to England's charming pubs and candle-lit cathedrals, Chile's vibrant produce markets and colourful hillsides, Turkey's spice bazaars and ancient ruins, South Africa's bustling streets and lush mountains, and so many places in between with Shaw and Marttila as they learn from cats-and the people who love them most-that compassion is truly a universal language.

Hardcover, 320 pages
Publisher: Penguin Group USA, 15th October 2024

Price: $42.26 from www.amazon.com.au

CAT LADY MANIFESTO
A celebration of joyful rebellion, glorious women and cats
by Anna Go-Go

The patriarchy really did women and cats dirty, but Anna Go-Go is here to set the story straight. 

From cat deities in Egypt to Christian demonology manuals decrying innocent kitties, and to famous cat lovers such as Elizabeth Taylor, Florence Nightingale and Mark Twain, Cat Lady Manifesto shares gloriously witty meditations on life, love and all things kitty-related.

So crack open a tin of Fancy Feast, sharpen your claws on the couch and settle in for a purr-fect adventure through the fascinating and bizarre history of the 'crazy cat lady'.

Hardcover, 256 pages
Publisher: Affirm Press, 26th November 2024

Price: $31.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

CAT PEOPLE

A Cat's Guide to Caring For Your Human
by Hannah Hillam

"Simultaneously hilarious, thoughtful, and bizarre." - Nathan W. Pyle, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Strange Planet.

The first collection from comic artist Hannah Hillam poses the question: What if our cats were responsible for taking care of us for a change?

Following an unwitting human who finds herself in a world where humans' and cats' roles have reversed, Cat People examines the special and inscrutable relationship we have with our feline companions, revealing the delightful absurdities of both species along the way.

Only the keen eyes of cats could so sharply examine the most bizarre human behaviours we don't think twice about, including grooming, eating, sleeping, working, and competing with other humans for attention and territory. 

By flipping the script and casting humans in the role of pet, Hannah Hillam spins an unforgettable tail of the unique love and often baffling coexistence between cats and people.

Hardcover, 112 pages
Publisher: Headline, 29th October 2024

Price: $30.25 from www.booktopia.com.au

I CAN DRAW CATS
by Peng

A fun and approachable guide to drawing cats, from the popular creator of Hirameki.

Cats are funny, cheeky and simply enchanting - all of their characters and much more can be captured in expressive drawings with just a few strokes. 

Cartoonist and cat lover Peng reveals how it's done - and proves once again that with a little practice, anyone can do it!

A wide variety of cat portraits can be created in no time at all: from minimalist sketches to complete small paintings. You will quickly be able to get your four-legged friends moving (or just let them hang out), capture their emotions and tell little stories in an uncomplicated way. 

It's doesn't matter if they look realistic; it's about having the courage to experiment and just start doodling.

Paperback, 240 pages
Publisher: Thames and Hudson Ltd, 21st November 2024

Price: $26.25 from www.amazon.com.au

BOOK CLUB – KIDS CORNER

PURR-FECTLY AMAZING CATS
A Kid's Guide to Our Furry Friends
by Brian Thomas

Discover the captivating world of cats through a fun and engaging guide tailored just for kids! Packed with fascinating facts, heart-warming stories, and surprising insights, this book dives deep into the unique lives of our feline friends. 

From understanding their quirky behaviours like zoomies and kneading to learning about their history as companions to humans, readers will uncover what makes cats so incredible.

This book invites young cat enthusiasts to explore everything from breeds and body language to the role cats play in history and modern life. Readers will meet legendary cats who've made their mark, discover how technology is helping us understand cats better, and even find inspiration to help cats in their own communities. 

There's plenty of humour and wonder as kids learn about the science, stories, and magic behind these mysterious creatures.

Whether you're a lifelong cat lover or just starting to explore the world of whiskers and purrs, this book offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of what makes cats so special. 

Perfect for readers who are curious, adventurous, and ready to deepen their connection with one of the world's most beloved animals.

Paperback, 160 pages
Publisher: Indy Pub, 1st December 2024
For Ages: 7 - 12 years old

Price: $39.95 from www.booktopia.com.au

COME DOWN, CAT!
by Sonya Hartnett

The day is ending, night is falling, and Nicholas's cat won't come down. High on the roof she licks her paws while Nicholas worries about her up there all alone. 

How does he coax her into the safe, warm house? She doesn't even want to come down from the roof... or does she?

From the combined talents of Sonya Hartnett and Lucia Masciullo comes this tale of friendship and bravery, and the things we are capable of doing for those we treasure most.

Paperback, 32 pages
Publisher: Penguin Australia Pty Ltd, 27th May 2015

For Ages: 5 - 7 years old

Price: $13.09 from www.amazon.com.au

KITTEN’S SUMMER
by Eugenie Fernandes 

A beautifully illustrated picture book introducing toddlers to animals on a rainy summer day.

It's a rainy summer day, and Kitten is meeting all sorts of animals taking shelter from or enjoying the warm rain, including a fox, a turtle, a beaver and many more. 

As in the two previous titles in the Kitten series, rhyming couplets capture the animals' actions, making this book another fantastic interactive read-aloud.

Young readers will delight in discovering animal habitats, picking out seasonal details in the exquisite mixed-media art, and searching for and finding Kitten on every page.

Hardcover, 24 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, 1st May 2013
For Ages: 4 - 6 years old

Price: $19.99 from www.booktopia.com.au

KITTENS DO NOT CARE FOR BATHS
by Ali Rutstein, Niña Nill (Illustrator)

Dad says it's time for a bath, but Maya is certain that kittens do not need baths. 

In fact, this curious kitten would much rather hunt for prey and climb trees all night than wash herself and get ready for bed. 

Can this feisty kitten be coaxed into starting her night-time routine?

Preschool Problems is a brilliant new series about all the big problems faced by our littlest people!

Hardcover, 24 pages
Publisher: Hardie Grant Children's Publishing, 29th October 2024
For Ages: 2 - 6 years old

Price: $19.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

MUSHKA AND THE NAUGHTY LIST

How far will one small kitten go out of love for her human?
by Tammy Pemper (Author), Nadezhda (Illustrator)

Mushka, the kitty, was happy at home.
She stayed by Hope’s side, never far did she roam.
When Hope asked for help, Mushka didn’t think twice,
But some of her “help” Hope called “naughty, not nice.”

When a playful, mischievous kitten finds herself—and her beloved human— on Santa’s Naughty List, she’s determined to set Santa straight. Unfortunately for Santa and his workshop, Mushka brings chaos wherever she goes, and this adorable feline won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.

Mushka and the Naughty List is the first in this beautifully illustrated, newly released series. The picture book is for lovers of humorous books, cats, unconditional bonds, and non-judgmental acceptance. 

It has its beginnings in the Pacific. While living in the Solomon Islands, Australian author Tammy Pemper, adopted an orphaned street kitten, named Mushka. Within two years, Mushka learned English, got a visa, and travelled back to Australia with Tammy. Since then, the two of them have been writing children’s books – and one of them has been destroying Christmas trees.

Paperback:  32 pages, full colour illustrations
Publisher: ‎Abiding Vine Publishing; 1st December 2024

Price: $29.95 at www.fishpond.com.au

Are you planning to welcome home or adopt a kitten? Prepare for an unforgettable adventure with Pet Nurture’s engaging and educational Virtual Kitten Kindergarten Classes, hosted by Melina Grin! 

Their unique approach ensures that you and your adorable little fur ball will embark on an exciting journey filled with joy and learning!

Topics covered include:

✔️ Understanding your kitten's body language and communication

✔️ Socialisation with people, kids and other pets

✔️ Keeping your kitten safe at home

✔️ Helping cats and children get along

✔️ How to stop kitten biting and encourage good manners

✔️ Preventing problem behaviours in kittens

✔️ Designing an enriched environment for cats

✔️ Litter box training and management

✔️ The importance of scratching and providing appropriate scratching surfaces

✔️ Providing a species-appropriate diet and creative feeding techniques

✔️ Preventive healthcare measures

✔️ Harness and leash training

✔️ Clicker and target training

✔️ Cooperative Cat Care: nail trimming, grooming, teeth brushing, administering medication, and weight checks

✔️ Carrier training for stress-free vet visits and much more!

Kitten Kindy Prerequisites: These classes are suitable for kittens between 6 and 24 weeks of age. Clients with older kittens or adult cats are encouraged to attend.

Class Schedule and Location:

• 4-week live online course (One-on-one), Australia & New Zealand
• Held once a week for 1-1.5 hours via Zoom
• Weekdays or Weekends
• Course fee: $199 for one kitten; $240 for two kittens.

Mention Australian Cat Lover to save $10 off your booking.

2025 Classes Intakes:

• Saturday 25th January
• Saturday 1st March
• Saturday 3rd May, 
• Saturday 5th July
• Saturday 6th September
• Saturday 11th October 
• Saturday 22nd November

A well-rounded and socially confident kitten is more likely to grow into a well-adjusted and happy adult cat. 

By enrolling in the Kitten Kindergarten program, you're investing in their future and ensuring a lifetime of joy with your feline companion!

How to Book:

Kitten Kindergarten is available Australia-wide but spots are limited, so sign up by texting 0403 939 202 or emailing melina@petnurture.com.au.

Visit www.petnurture.com.au for more information.

About the presenter

Melina discovered her passion for helping animals during her childhood. After working as a nurse in the veterinary field, she became interested in feline behaviour, bodywork therapies, and energy medicine. Melina 

has extensive experience dealing with cat behavioural and training issues, and she is highly skilled in nursing and rehabilitating her clients' beloved pets.

She believes a holistic approach, considering both the pet and the guardian, is the best way to improve a pet's health and overall wellbeing.

Meline is the proud Founder and Director of Pet Nurture, a unique Mobile Animal Wellness Centre specialising in cats, based in Sydney (Australia).

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MUSHKA AND THE NAUGHTY LIST

How far will one small kitten go out of love for her human?  
by Tammy Pemper (Author), Nadezhda (Illustrator)

Mushka, the kitty, was happy at home.

She stayed by Hope’s side, never far did she roam.

When Hope asked for help, Mushka didn’t think twice,

But some of her “help” Hope called “naughty, not nice.”

When a playful, mischievous kitten finds herself—and her beloved human— on Santa’s Naughty List, she’s determined to set Santa straight. Unfortunately for Santa and his workshop, Mushka brings chaos wherever she goes, and this adorable feline won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.

Mushka and the Naughty List is the first in this beautifully illustrated, newly released series. 

The picture book is for lovers of humorous books, cats, unconditional bonds, and non-judgmental acceptance. It has its beginnings in the Pacific. 

While living in the Solomon Islands, Australian author Tammy Pemper, adopted an orphaned street kitten, named Mushka. 

Within two years, Mushka learned English, got a visa, and travelled back to Australia with Tammy. Since then, the two of them have been writing children’s books – and one of them has been destroying Christmas trees.

Paperback: ‎ 32 pages, full colour illustrations 

Publisher: ‎Abiding Vine Publishing; 1^st December 2024 

Price: $29.95 at www.fishpond.com.au

About the Author

Tammy, an Australian writer, released her debut novel, Scorched Earth, in 2019. The narrative non-fiction sold more than 1,500 copies and is in 50 libraries. It’s been shortlisted in the 2022 Page Turner Screenplay (Book Adaptation) Award; quarterfinalist in the 2020/21 ‘ScreenCraft’ international competition; award-winning finalist (four categories) 2020 ‘International Book Awards’; and longlisted in the 2019/20 Queensland Writers’ Centre ‘Adaptable’ (book to screen).
A qualified teacher, Tammy has released the first in her Mushka series.

About the Illustrator

Siberian illustrator, Nadezhda, worked in television and did visual effects for computer games. Now a mother of 3, she illustrates books. Watching her children grow up has increased her love of illustration, and she is grateful for the opportunity to bring joy to young readers.

DINE® Expands Range of Cat Food with Marine Stewardship Council Certified Tuna to Delight Your Feline

• DINE® has introduced new DINE® Fillets recipe with Sustainably Sourced Tuna for pet parents who want the best for their cat and the planet.

• New recipe features sustainably sourced tuna from a fishery certified to the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) standard

Dine Australia®, proudly part of the Mars Incorporated family of brands, is launching its new DINE® Fillets with Sustainable Tuna, further expanding its Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, and cementing its position as the leading cat food brand available at Coles Supermarkets with the MSC blue fish label.

Camille Shepherd, Mars Petcare Australia Marketing Director for DINE®, said: “As consumers become increasingly aware of their environmental footprint, we strongly believe that feeding your cat should never come at the expense of the environment.

Cats deserve delicious food that helps preserves the planet’s resources and these new DINE® Fillets do both. Our partnership with the MSC reflects our dedication to offering pet owners a product they can feel good about, knowing it’s been sourced with care and responsibility. 

We’re excited to bring our new DINE® Fillets to cat lovers across the country.”

The MSC certification is globally recognised for its rigorous environmental standards. The MSC blue fish tick label on a product means that the fish comes from an MSC certified sustainable fishery and is kept separate from non-certified seafood at all times.

MSC-certified fisheries undergo annual independent assessments to evaluate their impact on wild fish populations and the marine ecosystem.

Anne Gabriel, MSC Program Director for Oceania and Singapore, commented: “Thanks to DINE®, millions of Aussie cats are now able to join our mission to end overfishing. By expanding their range of MSC certified pet food, DINE® continues to lead the way in giving pet parents ocean friendly choices. Sales of these products directly support fisheries who protect the ocean environment and ensure there are plenty more fish for our furry friends in the future.”

Price & Where to Buy:

RRP: $2.30 for a Single Serve. DINE® Fillets with Sustainable Tuna are now available at Coles Supermarkets as part of the new Fillet range which includes DINE® Fillets Natural Shredded Chicken, and DINE® Fillets with Tuna and Prawn.

For more information on DINE®’s commitment to sustainability, please visit www.dine.com.au/about-dine/sustainability

About Mars, Inc.

Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $50bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M’s®, SNICKERS® and BEN’S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom — inspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet. For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com 

Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

About the MSC

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit on a mission to end overfishing. The MSC set the world's leading standards for sustainable fishing and assurance within the seafood supply chain.
Seafood with the MSC blue fish tick label comes from a well-managed and sustainable fishery. For more information visit msc.org/en-au and check out our Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

MEDIA RELEASE, 6th December 2024