Our 2021-2022 calendar is filled with inspirational stories and photos of beautiful catsit’s a celebration of the animals Alley Cat Allies works to protect every day of the year. Our supporters from around the world sent in thousands of cat photographs for consideration in our calendar, and these are the entries we featured. We hope you enjoy the photos of these wonderful felines as much as we do!
Max—Cover
At 12 years old, Max can be a bit of a homebody. But when spring is in the air and the weather warms, he ventures outdoors to lounge on the patio, observe backyard happenings, and enjoy catnaps among blooming flowers. Though he is eartipped, he is an indoor cat!
Sophie—2022 At a Glance
Rosemary took in tabby Sophie, her mother, and her three siblings from outdoors, then decided to keep Sophie and adopt out the rest of her family. Comical Sophie loves to snatch articles of clothing, from flip flops to face masks, and drag them into the living room.
Smokey—October 2021
Discovered in a Miami Beach, Florida, alleyway at just 8 weeks old, Smokey has since grown into a stunning, independent cat. She loves cheese and yogurt and occasional supervised excursions into the backyard.
Pug—October 2021 Inset 1
Born in John and his wife's yard, community cat Pug lived to a healthy old age cared for every day in her outdoor home. She was very loyal to John and his wife, and would jump into their laps whenever they patted their legs. Pug's caring nature extended to all, and she would even act as a temporary foster mom to young kittens found outdoors. She is pictured here people-watching from her favorite vantage point.
Pino Noir—October 2021 Inset 2
Pinot Noir was shy when Roxanne first adopted him, but with a showering of love, his personality blossomed! Among his favorite things are food (especially salad greens) and belly rubs. He'll just plop on the floor and roll over!
Yo Yo Mau—November 2021 (2022 Calendar)
The late Yo Yo Mau was a fierce guardian of Georgia's elderly mother, Eleanor, and was known for his tendency to stalk through his home with a thunderous feline presence. Toys dangled by people weren't worthy of his might! Yo Yo Mau is greatly missed.
Albert—November 2021 Inset 1
Albert joined Nancy's family a whopping 22+ years ago! Today he's the most gorgeous old black cat, but he can be pretty demanding. When he's hungry, he meows nonstop for his canned foodand he wants it five or six times per day.
Rona and Puss—November 2021 Inset 2
Rona and Puss were first discovered outdoors at the start of the pandemic with their two siblings and mother. Siblings Kovi and Boots were found another adoptive home, while mother Socks was spayed and returned to her outdoor home, where Lexi continues to care for her. Rona is a lovebug while Puss is a little more subdued, but both would do almost anything for the right treat.
Wills—December 2021 (2022 Calendar)
Months into the COVID-19 crisis, Gloria got a call about a tiny stray kitten in a neighbor's backyard. She took him in, dubbed him Wills, and fell in love with his joyful and fearless nature. Today, Gloria still calls him her "pandemic blessing."
Nitschke—December 2021 Inset 1
Nitschke was named after former Green Bay Packers linebacker Ray Nitschke, who was said to be "a tiger on the football field and a pussycat off." It's a fitting moniker for Nitschke considering his impressive 30-pound size and his endearing, affectionate nature. Nitschke is a real lover who makes eye contact and purrs like an engine while he is pet. Carol calls him a sweetie with a personality as big as he is!
Bennett—January 2022
Bennett, Benny for short, was found as a tiny kitten on Bennett Road (hence his name!) in New York. Today, Benny is all grown up, chock full of personality and likes the finer things in life, including cuisine. He even enjoys veggies!
Zeus and Nova—January 2022 Inset 1
Born in a storage shed on Vicki's property, brother and sister Zeus and Nova now live together in Vicki's home. They couldn't be more different in personality, though both are super sweet but make no mistake: this dream team is inseparable!
Murphy—January 2022 Inset 2
When she first spotted Murphy outside in her neighborhood in 2008, Constance immediately told her husband that he was going to be a member of their family. Turns out life in the Spearman home DID agree with Murphy, and he lived happily to the ripe old age of 18. Constance says Murphy always had a place at the dinner table, and he is dearly missed.
Fluffy Chunky—February 2022
With his impressive fluff and his "strong appreciation" for food, there couldn't be a better name for Fluffy Chunky! He's known as a playful "purr factory" who loves chasing stick and string toys between naps and meals.
Grayson and Quinny—February 2022 Inset 1
Grayson and Quinny are gorgeous Maine Coon siblings from California. Both have their own quirksGrayson loves having water squirted in his mouth from a bottle, and Quinny enjoys chatting to other animals through the window.
Rusty—February 2022 Inset 2
Left behind by a neighbor who moved, Rusty got a new lease on life when Elizabeth took him inand he livened up her household in return! Typical of many Maine Coon cats, Rusty is "dog-like" and easygoing. He takes walks on a harness, begs for food, and gets along with dogs and cats alike. His daily routine includes trying to open any closed door, barging into the bathroom uninvited, and staying up till all hours of the night.
Squirrels—March 2022
Named for her squirrel-like tail, Squirrels is a community cat who calls the plant nursery where Jaynie works home. Squirrels is known for giving walk-by leg rubs and helping herself to the catnip on the herb table
Sophia—March 2022 Inset 2
As a kitten, Sophia wandered door to door in Heather's neighborhood as if to ask "Do I live here?" Heather's answer: "You do now!" Today, Sophia enjoys sharing meals with Heather and exploring her back patio (where this photo was taken).
Tank—April 2022
Born to a community cat outdoors and raised by his "stepdad" cat, Yeti, Tank is now the ringleader of his three feline roommates. As an indoor-outdoor cat, he enjoys naps in the sunshine and breakfast with his human dad.
Bentley—May 2022
Bentley and his sister Bella were discovered sick and tiny in a laundry basket. With care from Lori, Bentley grew into a rambunctious kitten known for climbing people's legs. He and Bella have since found a wonderful forever home!
A Community Cat in Santorini—May 2022 Inset 1
On the Greek island of Santorini, community cats thrive outdoors and are cared for by residents. This beautiful tabby came to visit Liz's hotel room every morning for breakfast or just to hang out. She especially enjoyed a treat of eggs and yogurt.
Wheels—June 2022
Wheels first showed up on Noëlle and Neil's porch in 2016 as a handsome community cat sporting an eartip. But when he disappeared for a while and reappeared needing some veterinary care, they got him fixed up and took him into their home. Wheels is incredibly smart, very communicative, and adores his treats!
Ziggy—June 2022 Inset 1
Ana found polydactyl tabby Ziggy as a kitten under the hood of a car at a carwash. He rescued her right back by playing a role in her discovering and beating cancer! Today, Ziggy enjoys affection (on his own terms) and napping on the dining room table.
Ceres—June 2022 Inset 2
When Ceres first started vocalizing to Barbara as a kitten, it sounded so much like she was saying "hello" that the family thought someone was in the house! Today she still walks around the home "talking" to everyone.
Rosalie—July 2022
Since she was taken into Ida's Sydney, Australia, home while pregnant, Rosalie has given birth to five kittens, who were all adopted! Today, Rosalie (now spayed) enjoys resting in Ida's back garden and romping with feline friend Gingy.
Rocky—July 2022 Inset 1
Siberian kitty Rocky's favorite activities include napping, knocking stuff off of counters, smacking bottle caps against the wall at 3 a.m. and sleeping on peoples' feet. Though he's a bit of a troublemaker, how can you not love those gorgeous brown eyes?
Carlton (Left) and Ritz (Right)—July 2022 Inset 2
Sisters Ritz and Carlton took a while to warm up to their forever home, but they've always had the comfort of each other. Today they enjoy spending time with their humans, but also still love spending time with each other, cuddling face to face and even spooning!
Simba—August 2022
Simba used to be one of the community cats living along the Stockton Breakwall in Newcastle, Australiawhere Alley Cat Allies has worked to stop the cruel shooting of cats. But he was such a friendly and affectionate boy that Dianne took him home with her (long before the shooting incident). Today, Simba enjoys spending time with people and fellow cats, though it's every cat for himself when bbq chicken is involved!
Rita—August 2022 Inset 1
Sonja describes Rita as a "true feral cat." She has been caregiver for the beautiful, independent tabby since she was 4 months of age (she's now over 6 years old, eartipped, and spayed). Though Rita is happy to rub on Sonja, she prefers not to be touched.
Jasper—August 2022 Inset 2
Jasper is as sweet as he is stunning! He enjoys talking to his people, waits at the door for his loved ones to come home, and never turns down a good lap nap. If he's not getting enough attention, he'll lay on his back on the floor in protest.
Noodle—September 2022
Many a skeptic is now eager to adopt their own cat after meeting smart and adventurous Noodle! She has an extraordinary ability to win anyone's affection and even made a best friend of Chai, a dog four times her size!
Coco Chanel—September 2022 Inset 2
Calico tabby CoCo was born on Wendy's farm and is an irreplaceable members of her family. CoCo is as sweet as she is prettythough a bit of a diva!
Powder—October 2022
When first adopted, Powder got into the good graces of Lorraine's two cats seamlesslyproof of just how charming she is! Slim and athletic, Powder enjoys climbing the rafters (or sometimes just a table!) in her barn-style home and surveying from on high.
Toulani—October 2022 Inset 1
Toulani may be one of the only cats with an emu family member! An independent yet affectionate community cat, Toulani can usually be found in the emu's barn or following Cindee around as she goes about her day. She enjoys posing for pictures and always seems to know when she's about to be photographed.
Stella, Cookie, BooBoo, and Carmine—October 2022 Inset 2
A bottle-fed baby, BooBoo is a sweetheart and mama's boy. Cookie, meanwhile, is a smart, quiet, and keep-to-herself kind of girl. Stella is a daddy's girl and ruler of the house, and Carmine is the feisty, annoying little brother of the family
Paislee—November 2022
Found outdoors without her mother at just 2 weeks old, Paislee was taken in, bottle-fed, and hand-raised by Stacey. The original plan was to get Paislee adopted, but when the time came Stacey's family couldn't let her go! Paislee is said to have the softest, densest fur and the funniest, wildest personality with frequent and sudden outbursts of energy.
CoCo and Mr. Playboy—November 2022 Inset 1
Calico tabby CoCo and the late Mr. Playboy were born on Wendy's farm and are irreplaceable members of her family. Mr. Playboy was always the life of the party, and CoCo is as sweet as she is prettythough a bit of a diva!
Pebbles—November 2022 Inset 2
Pebbles is known for her beautiful, soft grey coat and piercing green eyes that stare straight into the soul. Though she's very shy with most people, Pebbles follows Lydia everywhere to ask for affection.
Sky—December 2022
No doubt named for her sky-blue eyes, Sky loves to ride on Callee's shoulder and cuddles with her every night. When she's not in Callee's lap, Sky will follow her around "like a dog" and isn't afraid to be vocal! Sky is also a great gift giver and is very willing to share her toy mice!
Aslan—December 2022 Inset 1
He may look as regal as his lion namesake, but Aslan has never truly outgrown his kitten stage. Playful and mischievous, his hobbies include watching lights and shadows and riding on top of toy cars. And if anyone closes a door behind them, he throws a tantrum until they open it and give him attention.
Salvato la Gatto and Grazie—December 2022 Inset 2
Salvato la Gatto and Grazie came to foster caregiver Sarah at the most fortuitous time. Sal had recently lost his brother, and Grazie needed a friendso they fit together perfectly! Quirky Sal is a talker and cuddle bug, and bold Grazie loves to play and do somersaults.
Big Boy—Coat Length: Shorthair
He's a big boy indeed! Big Boy, also known as Biggie, is a much-loved member of Lora's family and the perfect companion. They call him their "cat-dog," as he comes when he's called with the bell on his collar jingling all the way. Among his favorite things are back scratches and snuggling on Lora's bed at night.
Mango—Coat Length: Medium
Young and full of life, Mango chirps at birds and bugs outside her window, plays with "big brother" Oliver--a 70-pound dog who she "gives a run for his money"--and curls up with her 8-year-old human every night.