March 19, 2024

Mews News:

Born This Way

We believe every cat has a unique story to tell, but some truly stand out from the crowd. Allow us to introduce Folklore, a special one-and-a-half-year-old tabby from the Los Banos Animal Shelter.

Folklore is truly one of a kind, boasting four pinna (ear tips), including a delightful trio on her left side. Her crooked jaw and misplaced teeth only add to her undeniable charm.

Folklore was also born with defects in her left eye, resulting in abnormal tissue and hair growth on her cornea and an inward-turning eyelid, both of which caused discomfort and irritation.

Two weeks ago, after a thorough examination by a vision specialist, Folklore underwent surgery with our wonderful Dr. Desai to remove her left eye and ensure her well-being and comfort.

Despite her challenging medical journey, Folklore remains as sweet and affectionate as ever. Now, she's ready to embark on her next chapter – finding her forever home, where she can share her love with a lucky family.

If you're ready to open your heart and home to a truly special companion, consider welcoming Folklore into your life. Visit our Adoption Center this weekend and see if she's the perfect match for you.

Nine Lives Needs You!

Kitten season is approaching! As we gear up for this most adorable time of year, we're looking for volunteers to foster these little ones and give them the special care they deserve.

Whether you're an experienced kitten caretaker or eager to learn, we invite you to join us. From informative "Kitten College" sessions to on-call doctor support, we'll provide the resources you need to help these kittens thrive and find loving homes.

Ready to make a difference and be part of our life-saving mission? Apply to become a foster parent today!

Where Are They Now?

Last summer, Drake, an orange three-month-old kitten from the Stockton Animal Shelter, and Tigerlily, a handsome two-year-old tabby from one of our local rescue partners, found their forever home together. Fast forward to today, and we're excited to share an update on their adventures!

Barnacle (formerly Drake) and Picante (formerly Tigerlily) at our Adoption Center in June.

Renamed Barnacle and Picante, these sweet boys have seamlessly settled into their new home and befriended their new kitty housemate, Chunky.

Barnacle and Picante have access to an enclosed patio area where they can enjoy the fresh air in safety. They both adore spending time outside and would happily spend the entire day there if given the chance. Picante, however, dreams of roaming the streets freely and requires supervision to deter any fence-jumping escape attempts.

Barnacle and Picante enjoying some of their favorite activities.

Beyond their outdoor escapades, Barnacle and Picante share a passion for watching Bird TV, with YouTube's "Birder King" being their favorite show. Watching it has become a daily routine, although Barnacle's lively reactions occasionally add a touch of chaos.

Their adopter says Barnacle and Picante have grown into wonderful cats and he's very happy they found each other.

Want to see your Nine Lives kitty featured in a future newsletter? Share their story with us at superstars@ninelivesfoundation.org!

Saving Lives Together

We're excited to announce a new partnership with Hayward Animal Services, aimed at saving the most vulnerable cats and kittens in their community — a crucial step towards California's "No Kill" goal by 2025.

We're also honored to announce the receipt of a generous grant from Best Friends Animal Society and the Rachael Ray Foundation in recognition and support of this partnership. With this grant, we're increasing our lifesaving efforts with a focus on sick and injured cats, cats needing dental surgery, cats with ringworm, bottle babies, and mother cats with kittens.

We're truly grateful for their support and look forward to working with Hayward Animal Services to save as many cats as possible.

Liam's Corner

As we approach the traditional onset of kitten season, it seems our feline friends have decided to make an early entrance this year!

Last week we welcomed Saoirse, a beautiful young calico whose story is a mix of hardship and hopeful beginnings. At less than a year old, Saoirse found herself homeless and vulnerable on the streets of Stockton. Despite her young age, she became a mother to ten tiny kittens. Yes, you read that correctly — ten babies!

Thankfully, Saoirse and her kittens (pictured here) found refuge in our care. Now settled in a loving foster home, the kittens will receive the medical attention and nurturing care they need to thrive, while Saoirse will finally experience the safety and love she deserves.

This stage of kittenhood is critical — every bit of care and attention truly makes a difference. Statistics show that over 80% of kittens born on the streets struggle to survive into adulthood. It's a harsh reality, but one that we're committed to changing.

I’m filled with pride as I reflect on the 400+ kittens saved by Nine Lives in the past year. It's a testament to the dedication of our tireless team and the unwavering support of our donors. Each kitten's journey to safety and health is made possible by your generosity.

Two of Saoirse's tiny babies ❤️

As we navigate the very beginning of kitten season, I urge our community to prioritize spaying and neutering their pets. It isn't just about population control; it's also about ensuring the well-being of every cat and breaking the cycle of homelessness and suffering.

I also want to highlight another invaluable resource we offer: our weekly Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic. Whether your cat needs a microchip, dewormers, or vaccines, our clinic is here to offer affordable and compassionate care.

With your support, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our feline friends. Let's save lives together!

Give Now!

With gratitude,