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Two curious tabby and white kittens with blue eyes walking toward the camera on a bright white surface, representing the start of kitten season in Australia.


From backyard litters to foster care, here is how you can help NSW’s most vulnerable kittens survive and thrive this summer

Ever wondered what all the fuss is about when kitten season rolls around? With the days getting warmer and longer, more cats are giving birth, with more tiny kittens appearing in backyards, parks, and hidden neighbourhood nooks. These vulnerable little newborns need careful feeding, safe spaces, and parental supervision to survive.

Because female cats can reach reproductive age at just four months old, a single season can see a massive influx of unplanned litters.

But before you scoop up that stray kitten on the street or a hidden litter in your garden, there is a vital "wait and see" protocol every Aussie cat lover needs to know helping our feline friends this kitten season.


The 3-Hour Rule: Why ‘Rescuing’ Isn’t Always Best

It is a common instinct: you see a tiny kitten alone and you want to help. However, Dr. Gemma Ma, RSPCA NSW Senior Manager of the Keeping Cats Safe at Home program, warns that rushing in can sometimes do more harm than good.
“Newborn kittens rely entirely on their mothers or human carers for survival,” says Dr. Ma. “Understanding their needs, or who to call for help, is essential to keeping them safe.”
The Flour Trick: If you find healthy-looking kittens, don’t move them. Instead, sprinkle a circle of flour around the nest. If you see footprints leading to or from the kittens later, it’s a clear sign the mother is returning to feed them while you aren't looking. Unless the kittens are sick, injured, or the mother hasn’t returned after three hours, their best chance of survival is staying right where they are.

A ginger and white neonatal kitten latching onto a bottle for feeding on a blue mat, with littermates visible inside a mesh pet carrier in the background.
The Road to Independence

Why is staying with Mum so important? 
The developmental timeline for a cat is incredibly steep:
  • 0–4 Weeks: Wholly dependent on Mum for warmth, feeding, and even help going to the toilet.
  • 4–8 Weeks: The "curiosity phase" where they begin exploring solid food but still need guidance and socialisation.
  • 8 Weeks+: Only now are they ready to be desexed, rehomed, or live independently.

Tammy's Journey: A Fighting Chance

RSPCA NSW foster carer Tammy wearing a Christmas-themed shirt while holding a young tabby and white kitten during the Australian kitten season.
For RSPCA NSW foster carer Tammy, providing care for vulnerable kittens is about giving those with no one else a fighting chance. Tammy’s fostering journey began five years ago, when she found four tiny kittens being chased by a bird. 

With guidance from local vet nurses and rescue groups, she learnt how to bottle-feed and care for them, skills that would later see her become a dedicated neonatal carer, supporting kittens from as young as one week old.

After joining RSPCA NSW, Tammy was soon entrusted with her first neonatal foster, a role she describes as both demanding and deeply rewarding.
“As a carer, what drew me to neonates was knowing these babies had no one else to help them,” Tammy says. “The most rewarding part is knowing that, once they grow into happy, confident little cats, my babies will one day be a loving family’s happy pets.”
Tammy says the support from both the RSPCA and the wider foster carer community makes all the difference. “For anyone thinking about becoming a carer, my advice would be to just do it,” she concluded. “Knowing you’ve saved and taught kittens to be the happiest little pets is the most rewarding feeling. I truly love the experience and wouldn’t give it up for the world.”

How You Can Help This Season
A person’s cupped hands holding a litter of four neonatal kittens with their eyes still closed, demonstrating their tiny size and extreme vulnerability during the first weeks of life.

The reality is that pounds and shelters are often overwhelmed this time of year. You don't have to be a professional to make a difference:

1. Assess the Situation: Use the flour test. If they are in danger, take them to a local vet immediately.

2. The Desexing Domino Effect: If the mother has a home, check if the owners need financial help to get her desexed. Preventing the next litter is the best way to help.

3. Become a Foster Hero: Like Tammy, you can provide a "fighting chance" for those who have no one else.

4. Keep Cats Safe at Home: Keeping your own cats contained and enriched prevents unplanned litters and protects local wildlife.

A Community Effort

Can one person really make a difference during kitten season? The answer might surprise you.

“Kitten season is a time when community awareness, patience, and action can literally save lives,” says Dr Ma. 

“Each of us can help ensure our kittens are healthy, well looked after, and provided with the best possible start in life, whether we’re caring for neonates ourselves or simply learning what steps you might take when you find an unattended litter.”

Desexing your cat or keeping them safe, enriched, and contained within our homes can also have a monumental impact on managing cat populations this year. The more cats and unclaimed kittens we can keep off the streets and out of the shelter, the more our feline friends and their young ones can enjoy the joys and safety of a home.

Want to help? Reach out to the RSPCA today to learn more about becoming a foster carer or for advice on managing stray litters in your area.

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Beyond Cute Looks: A Vet Nurse’s Guide to Choosing Your Kitten

Kitten-Proofing 101: How to Set Up Your Home for a Bundle of Mischief

Animated GIF of the Nekono giveaway prize pool, alternating between a cat on the Reindeer Rocker Scratcher and a cat on the Snowman Rocker Scratcher. Text reads: Win 1 of 2 Nekono Cat Scratchers.


WIN: Festive Enrichment for Your Cat!


This Christmas, treat your feline friend to a piece of designer luxury! We've partnered with Nekono, the Sydney-based brand known for their beautiful, enrichment-focused cat furniture, to celebrate the festive season.

Nekono’s stylish scratchers and rockers blend global design influences with high-quality, cat-friendly function—the perfect way to spoil your kitty for Christmas.

We are giving two lucky readers the chance to win one prize each from their highly-anticipated Festive Collection!

Prize Details

Two separate winners will each receive a premium NEKONO Cat Scratcher, ensuring two kitties are spoiled for Christmas:
  • ✔️ Winner #1 Prize: The Reindeer Rocker, a playful and stable double-arch lounger that is perfect for stretching, climbing, and lounging.
  • ✔️ Winner #2 Prize: The Swinging Snowman Rocker, a gentle rocker that gives cats a seasonal symbol and doubles as a warm, secure nap spot.

Composite lifestyle image showing the same white cat in red scarf actively playing with the Nekono Reindeer Rocker and Snowman Rocker scratchers indoors.
See the Full Festive Range!

Looking for more designer ways to spoil your cat this Christmas? Be sure to read our full Nekono feature article to see two other must-have designs: the multi-level Christmas Tree Scratcher & Hideout and the elegant Christmas Sleigh Scratcher!

Competition Details: Win 1 of 2 Nekono Cat Scratchers!

Total Prize Pool Value: $291.


How To Enter (3 Simple Steps)

This is a game of skill! Entries will be judged on creativity, information, or usefulness.

1. Like & Follow: Like the competition post (dated 07/12/2025) AND Follow both the Australian Cat Lover Facebook or Instagram accounts AND the Nekono account (@nekonoau) on either Facebook or Instagram.

2. Comment on the competition post answering the following question: "Which of the two prizes (Reindeer Rocker or Snowman Rocker) would your kitty love the most and why?"

  • * Important: You MUST follow both accounts to be eligible for a prize.*

Bonus Entry Tip: Photo or video entries showing your pet are highly encouraged via our Facebook page or on Instagram. (Simply tag us in your post—your account must be set to public).


Key Dates

  • Competition Opens: Sunday, December 7th, 2025, at 6:00 PM AEST.

  • Competition Closed: Monday, December 15th, 2025, at 11:59 PM AEST.


Terms & Conditions Summary

  1. This is a game of skill; chance plays no part in determining the winner. Entries are judged by the Australian Cat Lover team.

  2. The competition runs from Sunday, December 7th, 2025 (6:00 PM AEST) until Monday, December 15th, 2025 (11:59 PM AEST).

  3. Entrants are restricted to one entry only.

  4. Prizes not claimed within 48 hours of notification will be redrawn.

  5. Entry into the competition is deemed acceptance of all terms and conditions.

  6.  Congratulations to our winners: A. Black (Snowman Scratcher) & Lea Anita B. (Reindeer Scratcher).

Close-up of a black and white cat enthusiastically licking a red packet of Delectables Lickable Cat Treat.


The Key to Your Cat's Love Language is Here!

Cat giving you the cold shoulder? Survey reveals the secret to discovering their love language is with a great wet treat.

In exciting news for cats around Australia, Delectables, America’s #1 wet cat treat has just launched down under. Specifically formulated for cats' taste preferences, Delectables is now available in Woolworths with two key products, Squeeze Ups and Lickable Cat Treats.

The Bond: Survey Reveals Increased Affection

To celebrate the launch, Delectables conducted a survey to uncover insights into habits, health and behaviours of the nation’s most independent pets, and the owners who love them. And while cats can have a reputation for being aloof, 80% of Australian cats showed increased affection towards their owners during treat time.

Expert Opinion: Dr. Kate Adams on Feline Love Languages


A proud mum of three cats herself, Delectables ambassador and Bondi Vet Dr. Kate Adams confirms that “absolutely cats have love languages - with food being high on that list!”

Delectables Squeeze Ups and Lickable Cat Treats are great motivators for rekindling your connection with your cat, or bridge the initial gap with a new family member, adding that one of her own cats, Puddy, “only speaks in snacks,” says Dr Kate.

Dr Kate explains that while her own “cats go wild for Delectables”, the brand’s range of treats offer a wide variety of benefits. In addition to fostering a closer bond with your cat, Delectables are healthier and are extremely effective for training, including coming when their name is called, establishing trust and giving them medication.

Two cats, one grey and one black and white, are shown on a kitchen counter lapping Delectables Lickable Cat Treat Stew from small ceramic bowls, with the Tuna & Whitefish packaging visible.



Hydration and Health: The Dangers of Dry Food

When it comes to cats' regular diets, many owners think dry biscuits are a convenient choice, but Dr Kate warns they may be contributing to dehydration and Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) - one of the most common health problems amongst cats.

“We call the cats that love dry food ‘Cookie Monsters'," Dr Kate says. “They’re often the ones desperate for water, which can lead to urinary problems and even diabetes”.

Dr. Kate’s Hot Tip: “If you see your cat drinking water from the kitchen tap or from the shower, it’s a sign they need more moisture in their diet. Adding a Delectables cat treat can help by contributing up to 14% of their recommended daily water needs.”

A Word from the Brand

Dr. Kate Adams sits on a couch with her two cats, holding a Delectables Squeeze-Up treat between her fingers that both cats are focused on.



Delectables have had strong international success, and it’s about time Aussie cats got a taste,” says Delectables Senior Brand Manager, Louise Berecic. “They’re healthy, guilt free treats cat lovers have been waiting for - high in hydration, low in calories and guaranteed to get even the fussiest felines licking their lips.”

The new Delectables Squeeze Ups and Lickable Cat Treats are available now in the pet supply section exclusive to Woolworths.

Product Details

A product shot showing three upright red pouches of Delectables Lickable Cat Treat Bisque (Tuna, Tuna & Chicken, and Senior 10+) next to a square ceramic bowl holding the bisque texture.


  • Delectables Lickable Cat Treats - Bisque (RRP: $2.00)

Delectables Lickable Cat Treats in Bisque texture are a smooth cat treat that can be used as a meal topper or stand alone treat.

They come in two lip licking flavours, Tuna and Tuna & Chicken, with an additional Tuna & Chicken flavour specially formulated for senior cats.

Key Stats: 8% protein (minimum) | 16 calories | Contributes to 14% daily water intake.

  • Delectables Lickable Cat Treats - Stew (RRP: $2.00)

Delectables Lickable Cat Treats in Stew texture provide a delicious wet texture which allows your cat to enjoy fish, meat and juices together, rather than only being able to lick the sauce while having to leave the meat behind.

They come in two tasty flavours, Tuna & Whitefish and Tuna & Chicken, with an additional Tuna & Chicken flavour specially formulated for senior cats.

Key Stats: 5% protein (minimum) | 14 calories | Contributes to 14% daily water intake.

  • Delectables Squeeze Ups (RRP: $4.50)

Delectables Squeeze Up Handheld Lickable Treats are a delicious, interactive, squeezable treat that come in a set of four.

Specially formulated to leave no mess, they come in three flavours; Chicken, Tuna & Salmon and Tuna & Catnip.


Key Stats: 8% protein (minimum) | 7.7 calories | Contributes to 5% daily water intake.

About Delectables

With a firm position as the U.S’s #1 cat treat, Delectables has landed in Australia exclusively via Woolworths with their Lickable® Cat Treats and Squeeze Up® range, bringing 9 delicious flavours to Australian cat lovers. Heroing healthy, delicious treats, Delectables put cat and owner connection at the forefront of what they do. For more details, visit: https://www.delectablescattreats.com/en-au/ 

^ Source: 1 Antenna & Delectables, October 2025: Understanding Cat Ownership and Human–Feline Connections in Australia (n=1,078)
A fluffy Ragdoll cat reclining comfortably on the wood and felt Nekono Reindeer Rocker scratcher, which features dark brown antlers and a red nose.






Forget Tinsel: Cat Furniture Gets a Designer Upgrade

Nekono is the Sydney-based brand that is quietly changing how Australian cat lovers think about pet furniture. They focus on creating design-led cat products that are not just highly usable for felines, but also feel playful, warm, and memorable for the people who live with them.

Founded in late July 2023, Nekono was born from a simple observation: most cat furniture looked disposable or out of place in a modern home. The founders set out to create pieces that were functional enrichment while carrying a true sense of story—something beautiful to remember, not just something to replace.

A Global Design Palette

Nekono pieces subtly weave in global influences from the team's travels, drawing on everything from the gentle curves of Nordic sleds to the soft colour palettes seen in Japan and Scandinavia. These inspirations appear in the unique shapes of their scratchers and beds, ensuring each piece is a stylish addition to any corner of the home.

The Festive Collection: Elevating Holiday Playtime

This holiday season, Nekono introduces a festive collection that blends crucial cat enrichment with a sense of stylish, seasonal nostalgia.

The collection features the Christmas Tree Scratcher & Hideout, a multi-level structure with replaceable scratch panels and a soft felt topper, perfect for climbing, scratching, perching, and hide-and-seek. 
The Swinging Snowman Rocker is a gentle rocker that offers soothing motion and doubles as a warm, secure nap spot. 

Composite image showing two Nekono festive cat products. On the left is the green Christmas Tree Scratcher & Hideout with a cat inside. On the right is the Swinging Snowman Rocker with a cat napping comfortably below its base.



For those needing a stable climbing option, the Reindeer Rocker (see lead image), one of the most-photographed designs at this year’s Cat Lovers Festival, features a playful, sculpted silhouette and a stable double-arch base for energetic stretching and comfortable lounging.

Completing the range is the elegant Christmas Sleigh Scratcher, a sleek, curved lounger with replaceable inserts, and the enclosed, plush Christmas Cat Bed in warm festive fabrics, designed to offer a quiet, secure retreat during busy family gatherings.

A beautiful grey tabby cat lounging inside Nekono's red and white Christmas Sleigh Scratcher. The sleigh has grey felt runners and a white snowflake design.
Supporting the Cat Community

Nekono believes in supporting the wider cat community. Over the past year, the brand has regularly donated products and supplies to several independent cat rescuers around Sydney. These carers foster, bottle-feed, and rehabilitate cats, working tirelessly without formal funding or large organisations behind them.

As a small business, Nekono is also committed to broader community engagement, recently being highlighted for their support of local groups. This serves as a warm reminder that cat families come from all walks of life.

Price & Where to Find Nekono:

DON'T MISS OUT! For a limited time only, save $20.00 on this range of designer cat enrichment toys.

Shop the festive collection now on the website: https://nekono.com.au

Connect with Nekono on
Gorgeous long-haired tabby cat wearing a red and white Santa hat and matching plush Santa outfit, promoting the CANA Australia Christmas Feline Foster Appeal.


No Rest For Animal Shelters And Rescues: Why Your Lap is the Best Christmas Gift for an Aussie Cat in Need

This Christmas, national animal welfare charity and advocacy group Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN or CANA) is urging Australians to open their homes to a foster pet – even for a short time – to help relieve the seasonal pressure faced by shelters and rescues across the country.

CANA’s member organisations include both traditional shelters and foster-based rescue groups who rely on volunteer carers to provide day-to-day care for animals in need.

December is one of the busiest periods of the year for companion animal welfare organisations. More pets need urgent care, while volunteer availability drops and adoption interest slows as families focus on Christmas plans. With kitten season peaking at the same time, rescue groups are caring for large numbers of young, vulnerable animals who desperately need calm home environments rather than crowded facilities.
“Fostering is a simple but powerful way to change a pet’s life,” says CANA CEO Trish Ennis. 
“Foster homes are a preferred environment to keeping animals in a shelter, offering consistency and security that some animals have never had. And the experience is deeply rewarding for carers, too!”

Why Foster Homes Are Urgently Needed for Cats

CANA’s latest Impact Report (2024/25) reveals the growing pressures facing shelters and their foster networks:

Adoptions fell by 17% this year, despite fewer animals entering shelters. “This means more animals are staying in care for longer, placing ongoing pressure on shelters, staff and volunteer foster networks,” Ms Ennis said.

Surrenders dropped by only 6%, remaining almost unchanged from last year. “Families continue to struggle with rental challenges, rising living costs and changes in personal circumstances,” said Ms Ennis.

More than half of the cats entering CANA member organisations are under six months old, intensifying the demand created by kitten season. “Fostering a litter, or even a single kitten, over Christmas can dramatically reduce pressure on rescue services,” said Ms Ennis.

Close-up of four very young, vulnerable stray kittens—one ginger and one tabby in the foreground—peeking out of a rough wooden crate, illustrating the urgent need for foster care.
A wave of stray kittens, like this litter, puts immense pressure on Australian rescue services during the festive period. A foster home offers these vulnerable cats their best chance at life.




 
With cost-of-living pressures discouraging many families from adopting right now, Ms Ennis said foster carers have never been more important.

“Fostering offers a meaningful way to help without the long-term financial commitment of adoption,” she said. “With food, veterinary care and ongoing support provided by CANA member organisations, fostering is accessible for most households.
“Even short-term or holiday placements, whether a week, a weekend or just overnight, can make a significant difference to a cat and the rescue supporting them.”
Case Study: Meet Kate, the Foster Carer (and Cat Doula!) Giving Adelaide’s Rescue Cats a Second Chance

Foster carer Kate O'Leary taking a selfie while warmly holding her beloved foster fail, the grey cat Potato, in her arms.
Kate O’Leary has fostered countless felines through Ginger Ninja Rescue, including Potato, a disabled kitten who became her beloved foster fail. Today, he helps welcome every new foster while Kate and her daughters continue giving vulnerable cats a safe place to heal.


When you walk into Kate O’Leary’s home in Magill, South Australia, you’re likely to be greeted by a flurry of paws – sometimes ten kittens at once, along with a heavily pregnant queen tucked safely in her own quiet room.

For Kate, fostering for Ginger Ninja Rescue, an affiliate member of Companion Animal Network Australia, has become an essential part of her family life. Over the years, she and her daughters, aged 8 and 11, have welcomed all kinds of feline cases into their home, from overnight emergencies to long-term recovery cats.

“I have fostered a range of cats and kittens,” Kate says. “A queen and her six babies, a cat with a broken pelvis, a very overweight one-eyed ginger darling on a strict diet, a bottle-fed baby that reminded me of having a newborn again, and a very special kitten needing surgery that became one of the great loves of my life.”

Potato’s Journey


The grey cat Potato resting on a soft bed next to a food bowl, showing the large surgical scar on his shaved hind leg following his luxating patella operation.
Potato arrived with his six siblings after being found cold and alone in the Adelaide Hills. His legs were deformed, and in many other circumstances, he may not have survived. 

But Ginger Ninja Rescue believed he deserved a chance, and so did Kate.

X-rays confirmed a serious case of double luxating patella, and after his first surgery, one leg required a second operation. Through it all, Potato remained gentle, determined and impossibly sweet.

Close-up of the grey rescue cat Potato looking alert and safe, tucked comfortably under a warm blanket in his foster home.
“Throughout his recovery we forged a very deep connection, and it was at that point I felt he needed to stay,” Kate shared.


Today, Potato isn’t just a beloved companion; he’s become an essential part of the household’s foster ecosystem.

“I often find him cuddled up or grooming the little kittens,” Kate says. “I’ve watched him show the most timid cats that humans are safe and our home is a safe place for them. He is a very special and wise cat and I’m grateful for him every day.”


The Truth About Letting Go

One of the biggest misconceptions? “People always say to me ‘I don’t know how you do it, I’d want to keep them all!’” Kate says. But for her, adoption day is a joy, not a heartbreak.

“I am delighted when they go to their forever home. It is such a beautiful and special time for the animal and adoptive family,” she says. “There are some little ones that are extra special, and I have a little tear when they leave but mostly I’m just so grateful to be a tiny part of their journey.”

“As a parent and animal lover it is one of the most rewarding, funny and beautiful things you can do. If you have the emotional and physical space, it will surpass your expectations.”

To learn about fostering for Ginger Ninja Rescue, please visit:

Can’t Foster? You Can Still Help

If fostering isn’t possible this year, Australians can still make a vital difference by donating to CANA to help member agencies manage the seasonal surge in animals needing care.

“For those unable to foster a pet, a donation to CANA helps fund the vital work of our member organisation, supporting them with essentials like food, veterinary treatment and emergency care during the busiest time of year,” said Ms Ennis.
“Together, we can give vulnerable cats and dogs the comfort and compassion they deserve this festive season.”
For more information about fostering or wish to make a monetary contribution to support our agencies during this busy season, visit australiacan.org.au/foster-a-pet-the-benefits

If you are considering fostering a pet, contact your local animal shelter or rescue organisation or shelter today.


Why Foster a Cat This Christmas?

1. Fostering is a compassionate act. Thousands of pets rely on foster homes each year.

2. Pets benefit enormously from time outside the shelter environment.

3. If you've recently lost a pet, fostering offers companionship without long-term commitment.

4. For first-time pet households, fostering is a great way to explore what pet ownership looks like.

5. For families with existing pets, fostering can help animals become socialised and confident.

6. Pet food, medication and vet care are covered by CANA member organisations.

About Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN or CANA)

Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN or CANA) is a registered charity representing the companion animal welfare work of our member agencies across the country, including Animal Welfare League QLD, Lort Smith (VIC), Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania and Saving Animals From Euthanasia Inc (WA). Together, our members provide rescue, shelter, re-homing, fostering, health care and enrichment services to more than 50,000 animals every year. Through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, we celebrate the human-animal bond and promote responsible pet ownership. We use our national voice to campaign for the humane treatment of all companion animals and we rally support for programs that deliver high welfare standards. We also lobby governments to drive change and preserve the bond between humans and their animals. Australia CAN celebrates the human-animal bond and promotes responsible pet ownership through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, including the Rent with Pets and Pets in Aged Care programs. To discover more, visit www.australiacan.org.au

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Victorian Cats Need Urgent Support as Kitten Season Costs Soar


This festive season, The Cat Protection Society of Victoria (CPSV) is making a heartfelt appeal to cat lovers across the state, asking for the gift of nine lives to help them cope with a predictable surge in abandoned and surrendered cats and kittens.


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
, a 14-year-old cat, was surrendered after her family could no longer manage her mounting vet bills. Rachel shared her success story:


"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.

Another miracle recipient is Thumbalina, a tiny stray who arrived severely unwell, suffering from infections, dental disease, and breathing difficulties. Following a complex surgery costing around $7,000, Thumbalina is now healthy, affectionate, and ready to find a loving home.

"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:
"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. Buying the calendar is a fantastic way to contribute to the Society's vital work if you prefer that to a straight donation.

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 Society

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.

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