Meet our Cat of the Year

Barney the Domestic Shorthair

Barney wins a starring role in his own billboard, our stunning Pawsies trophy, a $500 Animates Gift Card and so much more!

Barney

Meet Barney, our cross-eyed rescue with more character in one gaze than most cats have in their entire body. Those adorable eyes aren’t just cute, they’re a window into a soul overflowing with love and personality.

Don’t let the cat label fool you either, Barney missed that memo entirely. He runs to greet you at the door, follows you from room to room, and purrs like a boombox the moment you’re nearby. He lives for human connection in a way that would make most dogs jealous.

Rescued and given a second chance, Barney repays it every single day with head bumps, cuddles, and that signature cross-eyed look that melts everyone he meets. He doesn’t just exceed the standard cat type of love, he redefines it entirely. Barney isn’t just a cat. He’s the whole heart.

Meet our finalists

All four finalists receive a $200 Animates Gift Card and more treats.

Mrs Jones

Mrs Jones the Norwegian Forest Cat

Mrs. Jones is a pillar of our community, although she’d prefer “queen.” A Norwegian Forest Cat of impressive undisclosed age, she’s spent her life choosing people when they need her companionship most, quietly looking after them. First, a local elderly woman, then a lovely man Tony, who used to joke he had to rush home because Mrs. Jones was waiting wearing nothing but a fur coat. She sat on his grand piano and dined from crystal plates, standards she still insists on today. As Tony became more unwell, he asked Mum to take her in.

She adored our Dad, a vet, sleeping on his head, doting on each other while he indulged her famously lavish palate. We heartbreakingly lost Dad last year, and Mrs. Jones stays close while keeping us on our toes, we know he’d be smiling at her antics. She’s demanding, hilarious, intuitive, slightly mischievous and deeply loyal.​ In her own way, she’s supported not just one person, but many members of the community.

Van

Van the Shorthaired LePerm

Van is widely regarded as the friendliest cat in Mt Albert. Neighbours send us photos of him from all over the street. Several check in when they haven't seen him for a while. He has inspired more than one person to get a cat of their own. He is also, it must be said, a menace. He has hitchhiked to Avondale and Herne Bay, crashed parties at the historic home across the road, and been accidentally locked in overnight.

His friendliness is what gets him found and returned every time. Van visits Ferndale Kindergarten, Ferndale House, Mt Albert Plunket and Mt Albert Croquet club almost every day for pats and cuddles. He is famous with the Mt Albert Grammar kids who he waits for every morning and afternoon.

He has survived being hit by a car and is now navigating congestive heart failure. We know our time with him is limited, but he has brought joy to so many people in this neighbourhood, not just to us.

Lotti

Lotti the Domestic Shorthair

Miss Lotti is our dust kitty. As a completely deaf cat she experiences the world in her own unique way, and she is endlessly curious, affectionate, and full of personality. She was my husband and I’s first pet together, marking the beginning of our little family. Her favourite place is curled up on her daddy’s chest snoring loudly, because she has no idea just how loud she is.

Lotti brings constant joy to our house through her playful spirit, whether she’s chasing her laser, zooming up and down the stairs, or proudly strutting around showing off her toys in her mouth (her favourites are her sushi, raccoon or squirrel toys).

Lotti’s deafness has never held her back, it’s simply part of what makes her so special. She’s funny, loving, and completely unforgettable, truly deserving of the pet award.

Nike

Nike the British Longhair

Nike isn’t just our cat – he is our healing. After losing our beloved 20-year-old cat at the end of 2025, our home felt empty and heavy with grief. We didn’t think anything could fill that space, but then we met Nike at an adoption event in Albany, and everything changed. From the moment we saw him, his familiar tabby markings and gentle spirit reminded us of the love we thought we’d lost.

He was rescued after living a rough life, injured from fighting and surviving on his own. Thanks to Coast to Coast Cat Rescue and their dedicated team of volunteers, Nike was given the medical care, safety, and love he needed to recover and trust again.

Now, at just two years old, Nike is full of life, energy, and personality. He brings laughter to our days, comfort to our hardest moments, and a sense of joy back into our home. We were given a second chance at love - and Nike reminds us every day just how special that is.

Meet our Cat of the Year 2025

Celeste the Bombay

Celeste

Celeste is the most patient and caring cat I have ever met. I got my darling girl at 2 years old and she was a street cat, now she lives a very luxurious life as an indoor lap cat.

I live with daily chronic pain and fatigue and Celeste has learnt to recognise my symptoms and warn me. She screams when I try to stand on a bad day, and lays on my chest and purrs when I’m having pain flares or fainting spells. She’s also learnt to harass me into getting my meds out every night (she gets a treat when I take them) I love my girl and so does everyone who’s met her.

Need a hand?