We’ve hand‑picked a lineup of fierce, fabulous, and slightly chaotic kitties to battle it out for the honour of gracing the cover of our new book, Tough Kitties.
All photos will be uploaded to GoGo Photo Contest, where the public can vote for their favourite feline superstar.
Voting is open for 2 whole weeks, plenty of time to rally your friends, your family, your barista, and that one neighbour who always asks about your cat.
*Note: Cover designs shown are indicative and subject to change.*
Prize:
The cat with the most votes wins the coveted title of Cover Kitty and will appear on the front of Tough Kitties.
About the Tough Kitties Photobook
Since 2012,
Maneki Neko Cat Rescue has been on a mission to give every cat the love, safety, and second chance they deserve. More than 10,000 cats and kittens have found their way from uncertainty to comfort through our doors, each one a tiny triumph of hope, community, and compassion.
And now, we’re celebrating the spirit of our survivors with
Tough Kitties, a premium photobook featuring 26 extraordinary cats who refused to give up. Captured through the lens of
Dave Mayes (
Instinct Pet Photography) and paired with heartfelt commentary from our founder,
Samantha R McKernan, this book is a love letter to resilience.
It’s visually striking, emotionally rich, and made to be kept, gifted, and revisited, the kind of book that makes you smile, tear up, and fall in love with rescue cats all over again.
*Note:
Cover designs shown are indicative and subject to change.*Established in 2012, Maneki Neko Cat Rescue has successfully rehomed over 10,000 cats. Our mission focuses on collaborating with the community, various organisations, businesses, and local councils to enhance the health and welfare of Victorian cats and kittens.
The Maneki Neko (Lucky Cat) is a Japanese symbol of success, prosperity, good health, and happiness. We strive to embody these values through our rescue efforts and community outreach.
Our Objectives:
Healthy and Happy Cats – Ensuring the wellbeing and safety of all cats and kittens in our care.
- Educate and Advocate – Raising awareness about responsible pet ownership and promoting animal welfare.
- Passionate Volunteers – Empowering our dedicated volunteers and foster carers.
- Support Rescue Groups – Collaborating with other rescue organisations to achieve better outcomes.
- No-Kill Community – Working towards a community where all healthy and treatable cats find loving homes.
Our Impact:
During the 2024-2025 year, we rescued approximately 1,200 cats and successfully rehomed around 800 cats as well as assisting the community to desex over 500 cats. With the help of over 200 volunteers and foster carers, we are able to care for over 350 cats and kittens at any given time.