The Nine Lives of Christmas
A stray cat introduces Zachary to companionship; a litter of kittens brings him and Marilee together again.
2 films · 2014–2021 · Christmas
Start with the first filmMovies in viewing order
Watch The Nine Lives of Christmas before The Nine Kittens of Christmas. The second returns to Zachary and Marilee, and knowing their first meeting gives their reunion more meaning.
Your viewing checklist
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Film 1 · 2014
The Nine Lives of Christmas
Film source · Premiered 8 November 2014Firefighter Zachary takes in a stray cat named Ambrose and meets Marilee, a veterinary student. Her help with the new arrival tests his preference for living alone while she tries to keep her attention on school.
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Film 2 · 2021
The Nine Kittens of Christmas
Film source · Premiered 25 November 2021Zachary and Marilee reunite with nine kittens needing homes. The returning leads bring their earlier romantic history to the task, so the original film is the better place to begin their Christmas story.
About the series
Brandon Routh plays firefighter Zachary, whose solitary habits change after he takes in a stray cat. Kimberley Sustad plays Marilee, the veterinary student who helps him care for it. Their Christmas romance returns in The Nine Kittens of Christmas, with the same leads and another feline responsibility. The changed animal count signals a follow-up, so keep both titles together when planning the pair.
What to expect
The cats give Zachary and Marilee a reason to spend time together. In the original, caring for Ambrose challenges Zachary's preference for independence while Marilee balances study and romance. The follow-up returns to their connection through kittens needing homes. Expect animals woven into the relationship rather than confined to the background.
The people who bring it to life
Marilee
A veterinary student in the first film who helps Zachary care for his stray cat.
More cast and guest appearances 13
- Stephanie Bennett2 films
Jaclyn
- Chelsea Hobbs1 film
Blair Bosley
- Linden McMillan1 film
Sierra
- Sean Tyson1 film
Ray
- Carey Feehan1 film
Kyle
- Dalias Blake1 film
Mark
- Nathan Witte1 film
Miles
- Robyn Bradley1 film
Harriet
- Alison Araya1 film
Lucy
- 1 film
- 1 film
- Vince Song1 film
Caleb
- 1 film
Inside the series
Kittens continues the same romance
The Nine Kittens of Christmas returns to Zachary and Marilee with Brandon Routh and Kimberley Sustad. It belongs after Nine Lives despite the different title.
Read the sourceAmbrose starts the first meeting
Zachary's stray cat brings a practical reason to ask Marilee for help. Their approach to caring for him also exposes their different ideas about companionship.
Read the sourceWhat to watch next
A few more answers
Is The Nine Kittens of Christmas a sequel?
Yes. It brings back Zachary and Marilee from The Nine Lives of Christmas, played again by Brandon Routh and Kimberley Sustad.
Who is Ambrose?
Ambrose is the stray tabby Zachary takes in during the first film. Marilee helps him learn to care for the cat.
Sources & guide notes
Sources checked 13 September 2026. The film count follows the sequence above. Viewing options depend on your country.
Premiere date notes
The Nine Lives of Christmas. Original airdate November 8, 2014. Zachary Stone and Marilee are the continuing leads.
The Nine Kittens of Christmas. Original airdate November 25, 2021. Hallmark's actor page identifies it as the continuing Christmas story with Zachary and Marilee.