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They survived the streets, healed broken bones, and learned to love again. Now, these resilient felines are the stunning stars of the Cat Protection Society of Victoria (CPSV)'s new pin-up calendar, showcasing the life-changing power of second chances and the unbreakable bond between a cat and their human.
The calendar features cats adopted through the CPSV, each with a heart-warming story of resilience and connection. We delve into the personal journeys of three of these iconic cover stars—Barry, the miracle survivor, and Teddy & Tom, the inseparable duo—to explore why adopting a rescue cat can transform a home.
The Survivor: Barry, the Cat Who Refused to Give Up
When Barry, estimated to be between 6–10 years old, first arrived at the Cat Protection Society of Victoria, his history was heartbreakingly clear. He was diagnosed with cat flu and FIV, had a severe ear infection, and X-rays even revealed an old bullet lodged in his shoulder. Evidence of multiple untreated fractures—a back leg, tail, and sternum—showed he had been hit by a car and healed on his own without veterinary care. He also required desexing, a microchip, and a major grade 4 dental!
"He had been through more than any cat ever should," shares a spokesperson from the CPSV. "And yet, through all of this, Barry never once let his past define him. His calm, affectionate, and gentle nature shone through."
When Eliza and Nicholas met Barry, the connection was immediate. “He fell asleep in my lap and we stayed in the visiting room for over an hour,” says Eliza. Barry’s traumatic start has given his owners a profound sense of perspective.
“His strength and resilience has given us perspective on the issues we deal with in our own life.”
“We can't believe, despite his poor treatment before we adopted him, how much he loves people,” says Nicholas.
Barry is truly one-of-a-kind. He loves car rides, often resting his paws on the window to look outside, and he's completely unfazed by other animals.
Barry is truly one-of-a-kind. He loves car rides, often resting his paws on the window to look outside, and he's completely unfazed by other animals.
And there’s one charming, noisy quirk his owners adore: “Barry snores loud enough to wake both of us up!”
"Cats who come to us with tough or uncertain pasts aren’t always the most outwardly affectionate at first, but there is no doubt they are incredibly resilient," a CPSV spokesperson explains.
Once they find the family that truly understands them, these cats seem to recognise the safety, warmth, and love they’ve been given. They appreciate having a full food bowl, a soft bed, and a place where they finally belong.”
The Partners in Crime: Teddy & Tom, The Inseparable Duo
Teddy and Tom, both under one year old, were adopted by Kaitlin and her partner, Tom, as tiny, playful kittens and have been inseparable ever since. Their boundless energy and constant presence instantly made their house feel like a home.
“The home feels so warm and welcoming with two little faces always ready to greet us as soon as they hear the car pulling up,” says Kaitlin.
The two cats have distinct personalities that amusingly mirror their human counterparts. Teddy is constantly in motion and "into something," much like his owner, Tom. Meanwhile, Tom (the cat) "is more like me, absolutely LOVES a nap and treats," Kaitlin laughs.
Adoption has brought unexpected joy, transforming Tom, the human, from a lifelong "dog lover" into an enthusiastic cat owner. For Kaitlin, the feeling of caring for them is reminiscent of parenthood.
The two cats have distinct personalities that amusingly mirror their human counterparts. Teddy is constantly in motion and "into something," much like his owner, Tom. Meanwhile, Tom (the cat) "is more like me, absolutely LOVES a nap and treats," Kaitlin laughs.
Adoption has brought unexpected joy, transforming Tom, the human, from a lifelong "dog lover" into an enthusiastic cat owner. For Kaitlin, the feeling of caring for them is reminiscent of parenthood.
“I am constantly thinking about them, showing people pictures of them, thinking of what flavour meals to buy them. I didn't think anything was missing but now I couldn’t live without them.”
Transforming Lives, One Adoption at a Time
The stories of Barry, Teddy, and Tom highlight the central theme of the 2026 calendar: the transformative power of adoption. Whether it’s providing companionship, bringing laughter, or offering a profound new perspective on resilience, rescue cats give back as much, if not more, than they receive.
As the CPSV notes, adopters of older or special-needs cats "often express an overwhelming sense of gratitude that they were able to change the fate of a cat who truly needed them... it’s clear that the transformation goes both ways: their cat’s life has changed for the better but so has theirs."
Transforming Lives, One Adoption at a Time
The stories of Barry, Teddy, and Tom highlight the central theme of the 2026 calendar: the transformative power of adoption. Whether it’s providing companionship, bringing laughter, or offering a profound new perspective on resilience, rescue cats give back as much, if not more, than they receive.
As the CPSV notes, adopters of older or special-needs cats "often express an overwhelming sense of gratitude that they were able to change the fate of a cat who truly needed them... it’s clear that the transformation goes both ways: their cat’s life has changed for the better but so has theirs."
Eliza and Nicholas, who now can’t imagine life without Barry, perfectly sum up the sentiment: “There's not a day where he doesn't make us laugh or feel loved. He really is the best addition to our life.”Get Your 2026 Cat Pin-Up Calendar!
Celebrate these incredible stories of second chances and resilience! Every purchase of the CPSV Pin-Up Calendar helps the Cat Protection Society of Victoria continue its vital work rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming cats in need.
To support the CPSV and snag your copy of the 2026 Pin-Up Calendar, visit the official website today: https://catprotection.com.au
To support the CPSV and snag your copy of the 2026 Pin-Up Calendar, visit the official website today: https://catprotection.com.au
