CATS IN CRISIS: VICTORIANS URGED TO GIVE THE GIFT OF NINE LIVES THIS XMAS

A holiday season surge no one wants

It’s meant to be the season of giving, but for the Cat Protection Society of Victoria, Christmas also marks the start of something far less festive: a sharp spike in abandoned and surrendered cats.

The organisation is urging Victorians to consider donating to its Nine Lives Emergency Fund, as the number of sick, injured and vulnerable felines needing urgent care continues to climb.

The fund covers essential and often life-saving treatment for cats who arrive at the Greensborough shelter in crisis.

The reality of kitten season

The team sees a predictable but overwhelming surge every year, with the festive period through to March unofficially recognised as “kitten season”.

As CPSV Marketing and Communications Manager, Rachel Bitzilis explains: “We call this ‘kitten season’ and those born during this period will account for more than 40% of our total (yearly) adoption figures, and each one will need to be desexed, microchipped and vaccinated before leaving the shelter with their adoptive families.”

And that’s just the beginning. “On average, it costs more than $1,000 to provide each cat taken in by the shelter with the basics to prepare them for adoption.

But so many arrive needing far more: the fragile, the elderly, the chronically unwell, the ones who can’t survive on the basics alone.”

With the shelter already at capacity, Rachel is frank about the pressure:

“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.”

When one fund can save a life

That’s where the Nine Lives Emergency Fund steps in, a safety net for cats who need far more than routine care.

The fund recently helped Cloud, a 14-year-old cat who was surrendered after her family could no longer afford mounting vet bills.

“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.”

But Cloud is far from alone. The shelter’s foster network fills up over the holidays, with older and medically vulnerable cats needing extended care before they’re ready to be adopted.

“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.

“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.”

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Thumbalina’s $7,000 second chance

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.

Now she’s healthy, affectionate and ready for adoption.

“Good news survival stories like Thumbelina 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 said.

A legacy of compassion for cats

The Cat Protection Society has been doing this work for more than 75 years, rehoming over 85,000 cats and giving each one a shot at the life they deserve.

For those looking to give back in a meaningful way this festive season, donating could be the difference between crisis and comfort for a cat in need.