Mews News: When Treats Lead to Trust

June 13, 2025

Mews News:

When Treats Lead to Trust

When Fudge arrived at Nine Lives in early March, he was scared and unsure of the world around him. Rescued from the streets of San Jose at just seven months old, his entire young life had been spent in survival mode. He was deeply fearful and undersocialized — he simply didn’t know how to trust. He kept his distance, avoided eye contact, and spent most of his time curled up in the corners of his condo, silent and still.

But there was one thing this wary kitty simply couldn’t resist: treats.

Thanks to the gentle encouragement of our Cat Care and Enrichment volunteers and the undeniable magic of Churu sticks, we slowly began to earn Fudge’s trust. At first, he only tolerated pets while distracted by his beloved tasty treats. We knew we were making progress, but still had a ways to go.

Eventually, something wonderful happened. He started to lean into the affection — stretching out, rolling over, and showing glimpses of pure joy. Fudge was finally coming out of his shell, revealing his sweet and playful side.

A few weeks ago, Fudge had a breakthrough. Now, he seeks out attention. He’ll follow you around the room, rub up against your leg, and, of course, come running the second he hears the crinkle of a treat bag.

Fudge is still shy with new faces, especially in loud or busy environments. So don’t be discouraged if he’s keeping to himself when you visit our Adoption Center. Once it quiets down and he feels more comfortable, his sweet personality will truly shine.

With his soulful amber eyes and silky black fur, Fudge is a beautiful boy ready for a fresh start. He just needs a little time, a lot of love, and someone who understands that trust is something to be earned — and cherished.

Could you be the loving adopter Fudge has been waiting for? Come meet this special boy this weekend!

Our Adoption center is open Wednesdays through Fridays from noon to 5:00 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Our kitties can't wait to meet you!

Meet Our Available Cats

The Calendar Photo Contest is Coming!

Is your cat ready for their close-up? The Nine Lives 2026 Calendar Photo Contest kicks off July 1, and we’re looking for feline stars to grace the pages of our next calendar.

From July 1 through July 31, submit your favorite cat photos for a chance to be named our 2026 “Cover Cat” or featured as a "Cat of the Month." Every entry is a $35 donation to Nine Lives and includes a complimentary 2026 keepsake calendar.

Then, rally your family and friends to vote for your furry contestant. Each vote is a $1 donation, and there's no limit.

Every photo entered will be featured in the 2026 Nine Lives Calendar!

Your support directly helps us rescue homeless and at-risk cats and kittens. So, cast your votes early and often. Mark your calendar — submissions open Tuesday, July 1!

Show Your Pride and Save a Life!

Get ready for a special adoption event next week — celebrating Pride and giving cats the second chances they deserve. From Wednesday, June 18 through Sunday, June 22, all cats and kittens at our Adoption Center will have a reduced adoption fee of just $50.

Explore the colors of the kitty rainbow with our tiny orange tabbies, sleek black house panthers, and cute multi-color calicos. We have dozens of adorable kitties waiting to find their forever home with you!

Every adoption helps us save more lives and spread more love. We can't wait to see you there!

Where Are They Meow?

Our beloved cats are more than pets — they're family. This is the story of how Sherona, now Koshka, found hers.

In September 2016, Koshka’s mom had just relocated to the Bay Area from Mexico. Her husband, knowing how much she loved cats, hoped a feline companion would help her settle into her new life.

They came to Nine Lives, drawn by its mission and compassionate vibe. The first two cats they picked out were adopted before they could welcome them home, but the third time was a charm.

A sweet tabby named Sherona caught their eye. Though she hissed at other cats, she was affectionate with people, and they knew she was the one.

They brought her home and renamed her Koshka, which means “cat” in Russian. She was timid at first, but soon blossomed into a confident companion.

Her mom shares, “Every holiday season, she travels with us to Mexico to visit family. She has been with us for almost nine wonderful years and has moved with us three times. She has lived all over the Peninsula, from San Bruno to Redwood City, Palo Alto, and Menlo Park. She is a true Peninsula kitty cat!”

“Koshka is more than our pet — she is the heart of our family of three. She is very social and all our friends and family love her. She kept me company as I adapted to this new life, and we also gave her a new life... filled with love, care, and respect for her wonderful feline-ness. Thank you, Nine Lives, for making our family whole!”

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

Liam's Corner

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the ASPCA’s California Adopt-a-Pet Day last Saturday! We’re overjoyed to share that 43 cats and kittens found their forever homes — an incredible milestone and a big leap from last year’s adoption numbers.

But behind each adoption is a story. And stories like Galaxy’s remind us exactly why we do this work.

Galaxy was found in a feral colony, already in rough shape — dehydrated, weak, and barely surviving. She came to Nine Lives for spay surgery on a packed TNR day in March. Just as our medical team prepared for her surgery, they heard something unexpected: the cries of newborn kittens. Galaxy had given birth in her carrier, and no one even knew she was pregnant.

We moved the new family into a foster home, unsure if any of them would survive. Galaxy wanted nothing to do with humans, and her tiny kittens were just as vulnerable as she was. But her foster family took things slow — offering space, patience, and steady support.

It was a fragile time, and we braced ourselves for heartbreak.

But Galaxy pulled through. Slowly, she gained strength. With time and trust, she finally let her guard down. She raised her kittens — and remarkably, they all survived. Every single one, including Galaxy, has since been adopted into a loving home.

That’s no small feat. Roughly 85% of kittens born outdoors never make it to their first birthday. They may die from illness, starvation, parasites, predators, or exposure. But thanks to the vital care they received, Galaxy and her babies truly beat these odds.

This is the kind of story your support makes possible.

Galaxy's kittens: Neptune, Pluto, Mercury, and Saturn

So far in 2025, we’ve rescued 319 kittens, compared to 190 this time last year. That’s a 68% increase — more tiny lives saved, but also more strain on our medical team, staff, and volunteers.

We are stretched thinner than ever. The medical needs are growing, and the volume is overwhelming. Yet, we remain fiercely committed to every single cat who comes through our doors, no matter how sick, scared, or fragile they may be.

Please consider donating to our Kitten Season Fund today. Your gift helps us say yes to the next Galaxy — and give her and her babies a fighting chance.

Support Our Rescue Efforts

Thank you for your continued support. Let’s save lives together!

With gratitude,