Hannah Shaw, popularly known as Kitten Lady, will headline the 2026 Melbourne Cat Lovers Festival, scheduled for October 17-18 at the Melbourne Showgrounds. This announcement follows her successful participation in last year's Sydney Cat Lovers Festival.
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Shaw is a New York Times bestselling author and the founder of the Orphan Kitten Club, recognized globally for her expertise in neonatal kitten care. With over four million followers on social media, she is an influential advocate in the field of animal welfare.
During the festival, Shaw will host two feature sessions: *Tiny but Mighty: My Life as a Professional Kitten Rescuer* on Saturday and *From Tiny to Mighty: A Kitten's First 8 Weeks* on Sunday. These sessions will reveal the realities of kitten rescue as well as practical advice for caring for young kittens.
Festival Director Jason Humphris expressed enthusiasm about Shaw's return, highlighting her ability to connect with audiences. He noted that last year's event saw a remarkable turnout for her presentations, which received overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Shaw's sessions will cover her experiences in kitten rescue and offer insights into the early stages of a kitten's development, aiming to educate potential foster carers, rescue volunteers, and kitten enthusiasts.
In addition to Shaw’s presentations, the festival will feature a new *Cat Chat* format, providing intimate discussions on cat health, behavior, and responsible ownership with opportunities for audience interaction. Festival tickets also grant access to the co-located Dog Lovers Festival, enhancing the weekend's offerings.
Expectations are high for the event, which will showcase hundreds of cats across various breeds and interactive experiences. Further details about Shaw's schedule and the complete festival program will be announced in the coming months.
For tickets and more information, visit the Melbourne Cat Lovers Festival website.