The first full year of Ten Lives’ “Meow Meals” Feline Food Assistance Program has made a profound impact on both cats and their owners. Throughout the 2024–25 financial year, 1,590 Meow Meals packages were distributed, providing crucial support to families facing financial hardship. That’s an average of just over 61 packages every fortnight — each one supplying two weeks’ worth of nutritious dry and wet food for cats in need.
From the outset, the program has been supported by the generosity of our community. While a few larger donors helped us get Meow Meals off the ground, we now urgently need more consistent support — both large and small — to keep the shelves stocked and the program going strong. These contributions have helped us not only meet immediate needs but also reduce the number of cats being surrendered due to financial stress.
Neighbourhood and community houses have been reaching out for more care packages, and we’ve been handing out Meow Meals at these locations to help even more families keep their cats at home.
“Our community’s response to the Meow Meals program has been nothing short of heartwarming,” shares CEO Noel Hunt. “It’s a testament to the deep bond we share with our feline friends and the collective commitment to keeping them in loving homes.”
In recent months, we’ve seen an uptick in the number of people needing temporary assistance. Rising living costs and unexpected challenges have left many cat owners facing impossible choices. Thanks to Meow Meals, we’ve been able to step in and provide support when it’s needed most — but we can’t do it alone.
We don’t want to turn away families and their kitties who need us. With your help, we won’t have to.
The program’s success is only possible through continued support. Every unopened bag of dry food, every tin of wet food, every donated zip-lock or paper bag helps keep a cat in their home and out of the shelter.
Many recipients have shared their gratitude and expressed a desire to give back once they’re back on their feet. It’s a reminder that Meow Meals isn’t just about feeding cats — it’s about community, kindness, and keeping families together.
To donate to the Meow Meals program, you can drop off donations at Ten Lives, make a financial contribution via our website, or call us on 03 6278 2111.
Together, we can ensure that no cat is left behind due to financial hardship.