Benji is a ginger cat who has done a lot of good!
2025 is the fifth year Benji and his hooman, Miranda, have taken part in the Ten Lives Catwalk Challenge. Their incredible efforts over the years have helped fundraise more than $2,000 to help cover after-hours vet bills for foster carers during kitten season. If you can, please donate now to Benji’s fundraiser at catwalk.tenlives.com.au/benjisbirthdaycatwalk.
Miranda met Benji when he became her tenth foster cat. Needless to say, they were a purrfect match. After adopting him, Miranda didn’t want to stop supporting Ten Lives.
“During my time as a foster carer and volunteer for Ten Lives I saw all the great work they do as well as how much they genuinely care about cats and all animals,” she says. “So doing the Ten Lives Catwalk Challenge each year is my way of giving back to the organisation that has given me my forever cat!”
As a former foster carer, Miranda has seen firsthand the importance of the Catwalk Challenge and raising funds for after-hours vet visits.
“When I was a foster carer, it was great to know that in an emergency, we could use the after-hours vets – and it’s great we are giving others this same peace of mind,” she says. “I know Ten Lives can do so much with even small donations so it’s great to know that we can help out!”
Every donation, big or small, helps ensure incoming kittens have the best chance to grow, heal, and one day find their forever homes. Donate now at catwalk.tenlives.com.au.
The Catwalk Challenge is always an extra special time for Benji, because his birthday falls on 3 October. This year, Benji turned ten!
“We celebrate Benji’s birthday by making sure he has a lot of attention! He is the ruler of our house, so our routines often revolve around his needs, but his birthday serves as a great reminder of how lucky we are to have him in our lives,” she says. “He gets a little treat and lots of cuddles leading to many purrs.”
When he goes for walkies, Benji likes to start with a patrol of the garden borders. Then he finds somewhere sunny to sit and observe the world.
“So, there is not always a lot of walking,” Miranda laughs.
When they’re outside, she likes to see what captures Benji’s interest.
“He always notices anything new in the garden, so it helps me appreciate these little things too,” she says.
Miranda likes that harness walks are a safe way for Benji to go outside and stimulate his brain and body, as well as keeping other animals safe.
“I love all animals so it’s great to know that Benji isn’t hurting the environment we live in.”
Miranda also loves that it makes her go outside, particularly in the morning when she can eat her cereal while Benji walks around. There’re few better ways to start the day.
The Catwalk Challenge not only raises essential funds for kitten season, but it also strengthens bonds between hoomans and their cat through safe outdoor harness walks. Make Benji proud and donate now to the Catwalk Challenge so we can help kitties find their forever home: catwalk.tenlives.com.au.
Impact of the Catwalk Challenge
The Catwalk Challenge was launched in 2021 to help cover the costs of after-hours vet visits for our foster carers.
The aim is simple: raise $10,000 in just 10 days. Participants register their kitty, then take them on a daily harness walk between 1 and 10 October, sharing their journey online while their friends and family sponsor them.
It’s also a fun way to promote responsible cat ownership by encouraging the use of a harness and leash when taking cats outside, plus, it’s great enrichment for cats. And of course, seriously cute kitty photos are shared along the way.
Kittens being born this season need your support!
