\ Australians may argue about coffee, footy and property prices, but when it comes to cat names, the nation has made one thing clear. Luna still reigns supreme. New 2025 data shows Luna remains Australia’s most popular female cat name, appearing in nearly every state’s top three. “Luna continues its reign as Australia’s favourite female cat name, appearing in nearly every state’s top three,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. On the boys’ side, Leo and Milo co

While many Australians are winding down for Christmas, the country’s animal shelters are bracing for their most challenging stretch of the year. And this festive season, the message from the frontlines is simple. More foster homes are urgently needed.

Among this year’s comeback stories is Thumbalina, a tiny stray who arrived dangerously unwell. She suffered severe infections, dental disease and breathing issues, all requiring complex surgery costing around $7,000.

The soft-name boom isn’t a fluke. Australians are clearly gravitating toward names that end in -ie, -y or -a, the kind that instantly make a dog feel like part of the family.