Cutest cat winner announced: Therapy cat Luna-Marie crowned SA’s cutest
The battle for the cutest cat crown was fierce but a cuddly therapy cat has been chosen as The Advertiser’s Cutest Cat of 2024 winner.
Competitions
Don't miss out on the headlines from Competitions. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Luna-Marie the emotional support cat has been crowned the winner of The Advertiser’s Cutest Cat competition, coming out on top of over 300 nominations.
For Northgate teen Ella, who suffers from anxiety, she is more than a pet but a best friend who has changed her life for the better.
The 14-year-old was over the moon to learn her beloved British Shorthair had won the competition.
“Oh my god I can’t believe it,” she said.
“We’re so proud of how far she’s come and we never knew that she’ll get this far in the competition. We just did it for fun.
“It’s incredible, this is the best news [...] we’ll celebrate with a tuna cake.”
Since adopting Luna-Marie, also known as Looney Tunes (Toons), three years ago she has been a huge source of comfort for the teen.
“I’ve grown up and I still have extremely high anxiety, to the point where it’s actually kind of hard to leave the house and to go out [ …] I’ve also grown up with a couple of medical conditions as well,” Ella said.
“So Luna’s provided me with a very safe space and just makes me feel so good about myself.
“I used to struggle to get up in the morning because I’d be so tired but she motivates me to get up and be myself.
“It’s incredible for people to know what a difference she’s made in my life and hopefully this will inspire people to get a therapy cat and find their new best friend too.”
When we called out for nominations, SA’s fur parents delivered with more than 300 finalists selected. Voting has now closed.
Bonnie the school wellbeing dog was crowned SA’s cutest pooch in April and we profiled the state’s most Insta-famous pups.
MEET THE LEADING 10 CATS
Archie, Seaton
As “king” of the house, Archie is “definitely” the favourite child, often mistaking himself for a human, his owners say.
At times this power may go to his head and while he may be cocky, he is fiercely protective of his family.
Aurora, Marion
The adorable Aurora is a kitten living her best life and sharing her cuteness with the world on Instagram.
When owner Rick Poulis first saw her he couldn’t resist taking her home for his two little girls.
“She is the most affectionate cat and loves to play cuddles and pats, even though she likes to play all night long,” he said.
Barry, Glenelg North
Adopted from the RSPCA, Barry is a “cuddly but nervous little guy” owner Paul Newport said.
Boss, Port Pirie
With her soft white, grey and orange fur, Boss is the “fluffiest, sweetest snugglepot” you could imagine.
Adopted from Adelaide Kitten Rescue last October, the feline has become a beloved member of the Read family.
“My 11 year old daughter jokingly calls her our therapy cat, because she’s so tolerant and calm,” owner Susan Read said.
Cookie, Aberfoyle Park
Aberfoyle cat Cookie is more than a pretty face but also a survivor of severe illness.
Within a week of joining the Moula family, she became very sick and was unable to control her bowels.
It was thanks to the loving care of her mama, that she was able to recover, Mohammad Moula said.
“[My wife] did everything and slept with her in the shower closet because Cookie didn’t have any control over her bowel, so had to contain her in one place.
“Cookie recovered after three months, and she only loves her mama; everyone else is just a spare human.”
Luna-Marie
This cute and cuddly emotional support cat has been crowned SA’s cutest cat.
Also known as Looney Tunes, Luna-Marie joined the Brooklyn Park family as an “emotional support friend” for their daughter who has severe anxiety
Ever since, the pair who are both “wonderfully cuddly and quirky” have built the “strongest and most beautiful connection” said “cat dad” Steven.
“Despite the difficulties of life, Luna-Marie brings laughter, light and love into our world every single day.”
Denzel, Parkside
Known for his love of food and loud purr, Denzel is a well-known face in Parkside.
The black and white cat adores people and spends most of his time outside his house greeting people as they pass by.
“He has such a gentle and calm personality and brings joy to everyone he meets,” Jamie Pennicott said.
Mo and Bo, Coromandel Valley
With matching names and fur coats, Mo and Bo are two peas in a pod.
Adopted from Tiny Tails Rescue, Bo was the first to join the Perrot family on Christmas Day in 2022.
Deciding it was time he had a sibling, Laetitia Perrot went back to the rescue organisation last month where she found the “affectionate” Mo ready for adoption.
“The similarities in fur colour and names were too good to be ignored, it was a sign! They are now best buds and love each other so much,” she said.
Pancakes, Lyndoch
Always sleepy and sometimes grumpy, Pancakes is not just a cat but also a “landlord” according to owner Kiara Keyzer.
“I pay him with cuddles (on his terms only), outfits and far too much food (although he would convince others that he never gets fed),” she said.
Known to hold a grudge, Pancakes “occasionally” shares his king size bed with his owners who “love him unconditionally and think that he is just pawfect.”
Ziggy, McCracken
This Bombay cat is not only cute but also very playful and loves playing outside.
Mark Nethercott’s 8-year-old son loves to cuddle with Ziggy who will often fall asleep “between your legs.”
In February, the family started a YouTube channel to share Ziggy’s adventures called ZiggyTheCat.
MEET MORE FINALISTS
An everyday ginger cat has risen to fame after winning the starring role in a campaign for an internationally loved South Australian brand.
The advertisement for Oodie’s Garfield line was made complete with the appearance of the lasagne-loving cat’s doppelganger, Teddy from Mawson Lakes.
“My friend showed me an ad for an animal agency looking for a ginger cat and I submitted a photo of Teddy and he got picked,” Teddy’s owner, Keren Lebowitz said.
With no prior modelling experience Teddy performed like a professional straight off the catwalk delivering plenty of purrfect poses.
“He was a bit scared at first but then he warmed up and did a good job,” Ms Lebowitz said.
“I just did it for a bit of fun and he is a good looking cat and he’s photogenic.”
Despite growing up as a dog person, Ms Lebowitz said her partner introduced her to cats and she was now the proud owner of a cluster of feline friends.
“Teddy is about three years old and he was one of the babies of our other cats,” she said.
“I love their individual personalities and they can be quite funny.”
Where to get your cat cafe fix in Adelaide
MeowMe Cat Cafe in Parkside is every cat person’s dream destination.
Not only can you try some of the chef’s award-winning dumplings, dim sims and spring rolls but you can also enjoy a cuddle with an adorable kitty.
Landlord and spokesman, Patrick McBride currently assists with day to day operations at the cafe with his wife stepping into the role of manager.
The venue also has a thriving partnership with local charity, Paws & Claws who help to rehome abandoned and surrendered cats and dogs.
“The idea is that people come in and fall in love with the cats and then they can apply online to adopt,” Mr McBride said.
“(The cats) all have different personalities like humans.”
“I am not a cat person but I even fall in love with some of the cats.”
Mr McBride said that the concept of the cat cafe was based on similar models that are popular in Asia.
“When they first opened there were lines up and around the street,” Mr McBride said.
“When the previous owner gave it away my wife said let me have a go at it and it has been a runaway success.”
The venue is popular with individuals seeking the calming comfort a cuddly animal can bring.
“A lot of carers come in, some every single day, because it’s considered therapy for intellectually disabled people,” Mr McBride said.
Win a double pass to see Vika and Linda at Adelaide Cabaret Festival!
These Aussie music legends are here for the incredible Adelaide Cabaret Festival – don’t miss your chance to win a double pass to see them! Enter here.
Last chance to nominate: The search for SA’s best Auskicker is on
Do you know a rising star kicking goals on and off the field? Help us find the state’s most passionate pint-size footballer. Nominate your young footy star before it is too late.