Feature your cat
in the 2026 Tails of the Forgotten Paws Calendar

It’s the purrfect fundraiser for rescue cats!

Proud supporters of this fundraiser

Ready to make your rescue cat famous?

Let’s fundraise for an AMAZING cause! We’re selecting 12 cats (including seniors and kittens) to feature in a fundraising calendar for 2026.

Calendar photo sessions with Dave Mayes from Instinct Pet Photography will be held between between May and August 2025, with proceeds going to Tails of the Forgotten Paws.

Every photo session will be held in your cat’s home, where they can relax and show who they truly are!

What does it cost to apply?

It’s free to apply for a calendar photo session. If your cat is one of the 12 selected, 50% of your $300 registration fee for the session will be donated directly to Tails of the Forgotten Paws - along with 100% of calendar sales.

So you’ll photograph my cat in my home?

Yep! Dave specialises in capturing professional photographs of cats in ordinary homes and apartments - all the photographs shown here were captured in-home.

What’s included with the $300 calendar photo session?

  • Private professional photo shoot for 1 cat

  • Available for kittens cats (seniors are welcome!)

  • 1 copy of the 2026 Tails of the Forgotten Paws Calendar

  • Pre-shoot consult with your photographer

  • The option to purchase custom-made artwork for your home, including framed photographs, albums and photo folios

When and where will calendar photo sessions be held?

  • Sessions held in your home within 30km of the Melbourne CBD

  • Available weekdays from late May to August, 2025

How about anxious and nervous cats?

All cats are welcome to register! Every rescue cat deserves their chance to shine, and photo sessions are conducted in a relaxed style to suit your pet’s specific needs. All pets will be shown care and respect during their photo session.

Can people join my cat’s photographs?

Cats are the star of the show for this fundraiser. Photographs selected for the calendar will not include people, however you’re welcome to upgrade to a deluxe calendar session for the full experience - people included.

What does the deluxe calendar session include?

Deluxe calendar sessions are $450 and include everything you see here, including:

  • Extended photo time with your cat

  • People can join your photo portraits

  • Access to weekend session availability

  • Bonus $200 print voucher to spend on stunning wall art, albums and keepsakes from your photo session

Artwork from Instinct Pet Photography

Based in Melbourne, Instinct Pet Photography captures natural portraits of cats, dogs and their people.

Your photo session includes the opportunity to purchase custom-made wall art, albums and keepsakes from your photo session - fully customised to your home.

Want to join your cat in their photos?

The more the merrier! You’ll have the option to upgrade to a deluxe calendar session for $450, which includes the option for you and other pets to join your cat in their photo session.

Meet your photographer

I’m Dave Mayes. I specialise in capturing natural moments that show who your pets truly are - with beautiful photographs that hit you right in the heart.

You can learn more about me here.

2026 Calendar Application

Please complete the application below with as much detail as possible.

Tails of the Forgotten Paws and Instinct Pet Photography will review each application to select the 12 winning participants.

Good luck!