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Victorian Cats Need Urgent Support as Kitten Season Costs Soar
As summer approaches, the shelter, located in Greensborough, braces for the busy period affectionately known as 'kitten season'. This period, which runs from the festive season through to March, accounts for a staggering number of new admissions.
CPSV Marketing and Communications Manager Rachel Bitzilis explained the massive effort required:
"We call this 'kitten season' and those born during this period will account more than 40% of our total (yearly) adoption figures – and each one will need to be desexed, microchipped and vaccinated prior to leaving the shelter with their adoptive families."
The cost of this essential care is significant. On average, it costs more than $1,000 to provide each cat with the basic services needed to prepare them for adoption. However, for many, the costs soar far beyond the basics.
"But so many arrive needing far more: the fragile, the elderly, the chronically unwell, the ones who can’t survive on the basics alone," Rachel noted.
"With our shelter, reaching capacity, there’s growing concern about being able to afford the rising costs of delivering the urgent care each cat deserves."
The Nine Lives Emergency Fund
To ensure no cat is ever turned away when they desperately need help, the Society has established the Nine Lives Emergency Fund. This crucial fund provides life-saving care for the sick, injured, and abandoned cats needing critical treatment to survive and eventually become adoption-ready.
The Fund has already changed the lives of cats like Cloud and Thumbalina.
"Cloud received extensive medical treatment through our Nine Lives Emergency Fund and is now thriving in foster care while she waits to find her forever home."
During the holiday season, the CPSV's foster care programme reaches full capacity, providing vital sanctuary for cats like Cloud who need extra time, care, and compassion before they are ready for their forever families.
"Good news survival stories like Thumbalina show us why donations from compassionate Victorians to the Cat Protection Society are so important. The kindness and charity of the community means we can give every cat the best chance to heal, thrive and live all nine of their precious lives." Rachel added.
How Victorians Can Give the Gift of Life
For more than 75 years, the CPSV has provided refuge and rehomed more than 85,000 cats, helping them find their happily ever after. As a not-for-profit organisation, this work is entirely dependent on public support.
"As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on the generosity of our community to continue making a difference in the lives of cats and their families. A $50 donation allows us to pay for life-changing medication, giving a cat the Christmas miracle they deserve," Rachel said.
She stressed that every contribution makes a profound difference:
Established over 75 years ago, The Cat Protection Society of Victoria relies on community support to continue its vital work. Join their passionate community and keep up with the latest adoption stories, appeals, and events by connecting with them on Facebook and Instagram.
For more than 75 years, the CPSV has provided refuge and rehomed more than 85,000 cats, helping them find their happily ever after. As a not-for-profit organisation, this work is entirely dependent on public support.
"As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on the generosity of our community to continue making a difference in the lives of cats and their families. A $50 donation allows us to pay for life-changing medication, giving a cat the Christmas miracle they deserve," Rachel said.
She stressed that every contribution makes a profound difference:
"Every donation, no matter the size, helps us say ‘yes’ to every cat who comes through our doors, no matter how sick, scared or fragile they may be."
For those who would like an alternative way to support the Society, Thumbalina is one of the rescued stars featured in the CPSV 2026 Calendar, where she appears as the December pin-up cat.
You can read more about her and the other shining felines who feature in the calendar here: Rescued Cats Shine in Pin-Up Calendar
To make a tax-deductible donation and to read more about the appeal, please visit the CPSV website at: catprotection.com.au/campaigns/nine-lives-appeal
Connect with the Cat Protection SocietyEstablished over 75 years ago, The Cat Protection Society of Victoria relies on community support to continue its vital work. Join their passionate community and keep up with the latest adoption stories, appeals, and events by connecting with them on Facebook and Instagram.
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