30 Cats That Won A Spot In Our Yearly Calendar, Posing Next To Their Winning Photos

If you’ve ever tried to photograph a cat, you already know the basic math: one cat + one camera = 47 blurry tails. And yetevery yearsome feline legends manage to stare directly into the lens like they’re negotiating a movie deal, strike a pose that screams “print me in glossy,” and somehow look even more iconic when they re-create the moment next to their winning photo.

This year’s calendar theme was simple: “Then & Meow”each winner had to pose next to their original, contest-winning photo. The results were equal parts adorable, chaotic, and suspiciously smug. Below are the 30 cats who made the cut, plus the behind-the-scenes details that explain why these images work (and how you can capture your own calendar-worthy shot without losing your dignity… completely).

How These Cats Won: What Judges (and Voters) Actually Notice

A winning calendar cat photo isn’t just “cute” (though that helps). It usually nails a few fundamentals:

• Eye contact or a strong “moment” (a blink, a blep, a perfectly timed pounce)
• Clean background so the cat is the star (not your laundry pile auditioning for attention)
• Good lightwindow light beats flash, and soft light beats harsh “interrogation lamp” lighting
• Sharp eyes (if one thing is crisp, make it the eyes)
• A story: seasonal vibes, a quirky prop, a relatable cat emotion like “mildly offended by existence”

Okay. Enough talk. Let’s meet the winners30 cats, 30 photo-pairs, one calendar, and zero cats who agreed to this contract.

The 12 Month Stars

1. January Marbles, the “New Year, Same Attitude” Cat

   Winning photo: Marbles sitting in a sunbeam like it’s a VIP lounge, with frosty windowpanes behind him.

   Re-created pose: Same spot, same sunbeamexcept now he’s wearing a tiny party hat he did not consent to.

   Why it won: The light is soft, the background is simple, and his expression says, “I’m making resolutions for you to behave.”

2. February Peaches, Heartthrob of the Heating Vent

   Winning photo: A perfect loaf pose beside a heart-shaped box (closed, thankfully), with pink bokeh lights in the background.

   Re-created pose: Same loaf, now closer to the camera, with a slow blink that could sell Valentine’s cards.

   Why it won: Strong color theme (warm tones) + sharp eyes + a clean frame. Also: Peaches looks like she charges hourly.

3. March Clover, the “Lucky Chaos” Gremlin

   Winning photo: Mid-pounce over a toy shamrock, captured in burst mode with paws suspended like a cartoon.

   Re-created pose: Sitting calmly next to the printed photo… while the toy shamrock is shredded behind him.

   Why it won: Action shots are hard; this one froze motion cleanly and told a story: luck is temporary, mischief is forever.

4. April Pudding, Guardian of the Windowsill

   Winning photo: Pudding framed by raindrops on the glass, staring outside like a tiny novelist.

   Re-created pose: Same gaze, but now with a paw pressed to the window like, “Hello darkness, my old friend.”

   Why it won: Natural light + texture (raindrops) + a clean silhouette. The mood is “spring showers, existential flowers.”

5. May Juniper, Flower-Crown Royalty

   Winning photo: A flower crown portrait that looks like a boutique candle label.

   Re-created pose: Same crown… worn for exactly 0.8 seconds while treats rained from the heavens.

   Why it won: Balanced composition and a clear focal point: Juniper’s eyes. The crown is cute, but the gaze seals it.

6. June Rocket, the “I’m Fast” Blur-Proof Champion

   Winning photo: Rocket sprinting down a hallway, captured sharp with a bright window at the far end.

   Re-created pose: Rocket sitting next to the photo looking boredlike sprinting is “entry-level.”

   Why it won: A fast shutter feel and clean leading lines. Also, the photo practically has sound effects.

7. July Nacho, Patriotic in the Most Confusing Way

   Winning photo: Nacho wrapped in a red-white-blue blanket like a burrito with opinions.

   Re-created pose: Sitting beside the photo while glaring at the blanket, which is now across the room.

   Why it won: Strong color story, great texture, and a face that says, “I love freedom. Not fabric.”

8. August S’mores, Beach Day Indoor Cat Edition

   Winning photo: S’mores in front of a tiny sand tray and a toy palm tree, looking like an influencer at a resort.

   Re-created pose: Same “vacation face,” but now one paw is in the sand like she’s testing the temperature.

   Why it won: Humor + prop simplicity + clean framing. It’s a summer postcard, except the postcard judges you.

9. September Professor Whisk, Back-to-School Overachiever

   Winning photo: A cat sitting beside an open notebook, paw placed like he’s about to explain taxes.

   Re-created pose: Same notebook, now with a sticky note that reads “MEOW” because learning is personal.

   Why it won: Strong theme clarity and a crisp focal plane. The “teacher cat” concept is instantly readable.

10. October Spindle, the Halloween Shadow Artist

    Winning photo: A black cat silhouette against orange light, with a tiny pumpkin in the corner.

    Re-created pose: Sitting next to the photo, perfectly lityet somehow still a shadow. A talent.

    Why it won: Seasonal contrast and dramatic lighting. Minimal props. Maximum spooky elegance.

11. November Biscuit, Thanksgiving Turkey Inspector

    Winning photo: Biscuit sniffing a (toy) turkey with a look of serious professional concern.

    Re-created pose: Same posture, but now he’s facing the printed photo like he’s fact-checking it.

    Why it won: It’s a narrative photo: curiosity, comedy, and a clean background that keeps the scene readable.

12. December Tinsel, CEO of Holiday Mischief

    Winning photo: A perfectly timed shot: Tinsel mid-bat at an ornament, eyes wide, tree lights glowing.

    Re-created pose: Sitting next to the photo with the ornament in her mouth like, “Evidence removed.”

    Why it won: Great low-light handling, bright points of light, and a decisive action moment.

18 Bonus Pages (Because Cat Fame Does Not Fit in 12 Months)

The calendar also includes bonus spreads: cover, behind-the-scenes, holidays, and the “how did this happen” gallery. Here are the additional 18 winners who earned a spot with photo-pairs that made us laugh, gasp, or whisper, “How is this cat more photogenic than me?”

13. Cover Atlas, the “Main Character”

    Winning photo: Atlas in a perfect heroic stance on a staircase, lit like a movie poster.

    Re-created pose: Standing next to the cover proof, chin raised, as if approving the final print run.

    Why it won: Strong lines, great light direction, and a pose that reads instantly at thumbnail size.

14. Inside Cover Luna, Queen of the Soft Focus

    Winning photo: A dreamy portrait with a shallow depth of fieldeyes sharp, background buttery.

    Re-created pose: Same angle, now with a gentle paw touching the photo like, “Yes, that’s me.”

    Why it won: Clean separation between subject and background; the eyes do all the talking.

15. New Year’s Bonus Pickles, Confetti Survivor

    Winning photo: Pickles wearing a bow tie, confetti frozen mid-fall.

    Re-created pose: Next to the photo while actively removing confetti from his fur with pure rage.

    Why it won: Timing and humorplus a sharp subject against a simple backdrop.

16. Snow Day Bonus Miso, the Window Frost Detective

    Winning photo: Nose pressed to cold glass, whiskers highlighted by winter light.

    Re-created pose: Next to the photo, same nose press, with foggy paw prints below.

    Why it won: Texture and detail. Also, the nose print is basically a signature.

17. Spring Cleaning Bonus Dot, the Laundry Basket Tenant

    Winning photo: Dot nested in clean towels like a smug cinnamon roll.

    Re-created pose: Beside the photo, now in the same basket… filled with socks she stole.

    Why it won: Strong “cat logic” story and cozy textures that print beautifully.

18. Garden Bonus Sage, the Fern Enthusiast

    Winning photo: Sage peeking through leaves, eyes catching the light.

    Re-created pose: Next to the photo, now fully inside the plant like, “I live here.”

    Why it won: Natural framing and a clear focal point. The greenery adds depth without clutter.

19. Mother’s Day Bonus Poppy, the Lap Magnet

    Winning photo: Poppy cuddled on a lap, soft sweater texture in the background.

    Re-created pose: Sitting next to the photoon the same laprefusing to move for anyone.

    Why it won: Emotion. Even people who “aren’t cat people” suddenly reconsider their life choices.

20. Graduation Bonus Beans, the Cap-and-Gown Menace

    Winning photo: Tiny graduation cap (briefly) balanced on Beans’ head.

    Re-created pose: Next to the photo with the cap on the floor, shredded tassel nearby.

    Why it won: A clear gag, well-lit, with a sharp face that reads instantly.

21. Summer Nights Bonus Echo, the Porch Philosopher

    Winning photo: Golden hour portrait outside, warm highlights in the fur.

    Re-created pose: Next to the print, same warm light, eyes half-closed like a poet.

    Why it won: Golden hour is a cheat codesoft light, flattering tones, and calm vibes.

22. Road Trip Bonus Pixel, the Carrier Escape Artist

    Winning photo: Pixel peeking out of a carrier, one paw hooked like a tiny burglar.

    Re-created pose: Next to the photo, now fully outside the carrier. Obviously.

    Why it won: Storytelling and clean framing. The paw hook is the entire plot.

23. Backyard Bonus Olive, the Bird TV Addict

    Winning photo: Olive watching birds through a window, reflection visible in the glass.

    Re-created pose: Next to the photo, same stare, tail twitching like a metronome.

    Why it won: Layered composition: cat + reflection + outside scene, but still uncluttered.

24. Book Lover Bonus Quill, Librarian of the Sofa

    Winning photo: Quill sitting on a stack of books like a tiny dragon on treasure.

    Re-created pose: Next to the photo, now on an even taller stack, looking victorious.

    Why it won: Strong shape repetition and cozy color palette. Also: the concept is instantly shareable.

25. Halloween Costume Bonus Nori, the Bat Who Hates You

    Winning photo: A bat-wing costume shot with dark background and dramatic light.

    Re-created pose: Next to the photo, wings on… but only because treats were negotiated.

    Why it won: High contrast and clean edgesperfect for print. Plus, Nori’s face is comedy gold.

26. Thankful Bonus Chai, the “Gratitude, But Make It Snacks” Cat

    Winning photo: Chai next to a chalkboard that says “THANKFUL,” staring at treats off-frame.

    Re-created pose: Next to the photo, now staring directly at the treat bag like it’s a deity.

    Why it won: A clear theme, strong focus, and humor that doesn’t rely on clutter.

27. Holiday Lights Bonus Maple, the Bokeh Whisperer

    Winning photo: Maple in front of tree lights, eyes sharp, background glowing.

    Re-created pose: Next to the photo, now sitting even closer to the lightsbecause the spotlight is addictive.

    Why it won: Classic portrait structure: sharp eyes + blurred lights = instant holiday magic.

28. Behind-the-Scenes Bonus Saffron, Director of Outtakes

    Winning photo: A hilarious mid-sneeze shot that somehow looks glamorous.

    Re-created pose: Next to the photo, now mid-yawn. A thematic sequel.

    Why it won: Authentic “moment” photographyunposed, surprising, and weirdly relatable.

29. Fan Favorite Bonus Boots, the Thumb-Like Paw Celebrity

    Winning photo: Boots showing off polydactyl paws on a clean background.

    Re-created pose: Next to the print, paw placed on it like a signature stamp.

    Why it won: Simplicity. One clear subject. One irresistible detail. Perfect for a calendar square.

30. Back Cover Zelda, the “See You Next Year” Wink

    Winning photo: Zelda with a perfect slow-blink captured at just the right time.

    Re-created pose: Next to the photo, now doing it again like she’s closing a show.

    Why it won: Emotional connectioneye contact (or slow blink) is cat language for “you may continue living.”

Want Your Cat in Next Year’s Calendar? Here’s the Photo Formula That Works

1) Use window light like it’s a secret ingredient

Soft natural light makes fur texture pop and keeps shadows gentle. Turn off flash if you canmany pets don’t love sudden bursts of light.

2) Get to cat eye level

Yes, this means you’ll be on the floor. Yes, you will question your life. But the photos feel more intimate and less “security camera footage of a small animal.”

3) Freeze motion with speed (or burst mode)

For zoomies and toy attacks, use burst mode on phones, or faster shutter speeds on cameras. More frames = higher odds you catch the “perfect paw” moment.

4) Simplify the background

If you want a calendar-level image, remove visual clutter. A plain wall, a couch, a windowsimple scenes print beautifully and keep attention on your cat’s expression.

5) Bribe ethically and patiently

Use treats, toys, or sounds to guide attentionthen stop when the cat is over it. A stressed cat photo never looks joyful, no matter how cute the hat is.

Why “Pose Next to the Winning Photo” Became Our Favorite Twist

Re-creating the original shot adds a second layer of fun: it shows how the cat has grown, how their attitude has remained untouched by time, and how your household props have… mysteriously deteriorated. It’s also a brilliant way to make the calendar feel cohesive: each spread has a built-in mini-story, and the paired images naturally invite people to linger.

Experiences From the Calendar Trenches (The Extra, Real-World Stuff) 500+ Words

Making a cat calendar sounds like a wholesome craft project until you’re on the kitchen floor at 11:43 p.m., whispering, “Please just look at the camera,” like you’re proposing to a very small, very judgmental celebrity. The first lesson you learn is that cats don’t pose for photos. They permit photos, and their permission has an expiration date that feels suspiciously shorter than the time it takes your phone to unlock.

One of the funniest parts is realizing how much your environment shows in a picture. In real life, a cluttered room can feel “lived-in.” In a photo, it looks like your cat is hosting a garage sale. We watched people become minimalist overnight: blankets folded, cords hidden, random objects relocated to closets like they were entering witness protection. And the moment the room was finally camera-ready? The cat moved to the one messy corner you forgot. Every. Single. Time.

Then there’s the treat negotiation. The best sessions were basically tiny business meetings: cat arrives, sniffs the set, decides your concept is “acceptable,” and demands payment in snacks. If the snacks were subpar, you’d get a blurry tail and an exit. If the snacks were excellent, you’d get one glorious second of eye contactfollowed by a paw reaching toward the treat bag like a cashier scanning items. We learned quickly to keep treats out of frame unless we wanted the world’s most accurate photo of a cat staring at someone’s hand.

Re-creating the winning photo next to the print brought a whole new level of comedy. Some cats recognized themselves immediately and sat next to the picture like, “Yes, I remember being iconic.” Others treated the print as a suspicious rival. A few tried to rub their cheeks on the paper, claiming it via scent-marking, which is honestly the most cat-like autograph imaginable. If you ever want to witness pure chaos, place a glossy photo on the floor and watch a cat decide whether to sit on it, attack it, or pretend it doesn’t exist while secretly monitoring it from the couch.

The most surprisingly emotional moments came from the “then-and-now” pairs. A playful kitten photo, recreated by an adult cat who now moves with calm confidence, hits differently. A senior cat recreating a younger photo can feel like a love letter to time. People weren’t just submitting cute picturesthey were sharing little biographies: rescues, glow-ups, friendship bonds between pets, and the quiet routines that turn a house into a home. That’s why calendars work so well as a yearly tradition: you’re not only tracking datesyou’re tracking memories.

And finally, printing changes everything. A photo that looks “fine” on a phone can look flat on paper if the lighting is harsh or the background is messy. The winners tended to have clear contrast, good exposure, and simple compositionimages that still read well when shrunk into a calendar grid. When the first proof came back and the cats’ eyes looked sharp and bright on glossy paper, it felt like magic. Then, of course, a cat stepped on the proof with an inky paw and left a signature. We kept it. It was the most authentic endorsement we could’ve asked for.

If you’re thinking about entering a calendar contest or making your own, here’s the honest truth: you don’t need perfect gear. You need decent light, a clean background, a little patience, and a willingness to take 200 photos to get one masterpiece. And if your cat “ruins” the shot by yawning, blinking, or turning into a blur? Congratulationsyou may have captured the most accurate portrait of cat life imaginable.

Conclusion: The Calendar Is Cute, But the Story Is the Point

These 30 winners didn’t just land great photosthey landed memorable photos. The kind that make you smile in the middle of a busy week, or pause long enough to think, “Yeah… I do want to schedule my life around a tiny creature who sleeps 16 hours a day.” Whether you’re entering a fundraiser contest, making a family calendar, or just trying to take one non-blurry picture for your lock screen, the best advice is simple: work with your cat’s personality, not against it. The pose will come. Probably right after you give up.