February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month! Everyone knows that spaying and neutering helps to reduce the number of homeless cats. But did you know that there are other health benefits too?
For female cats, spaying can reduce the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer, as well as eliminate the risk of developing a life-threatening uterine infection called pyometra. For male cats, neutering can reduce the risk of testicular cancer and prevent a number of behavioral problems that are related to hormonal changes, such as urine marking and aggression.
Spaying and neutering are important procedures that can have a positive impact on both cats and their human companions. To help ensure everyone has access to this critical procedure, we proudly provide low-cost spay and neuter services for other nonprofit rescue groups, community cats in traps, and privately-owned cats in our community.
Visit our website at ninelivesfoundation.org to learn more about the services we offer and how to book an appointment.
Friends Forever
Kugel is a beautiful and affectionate kitty from the Stockton Animal Shelter. She’s outgoing, playful, and loves to hang out with other kitties — and people too!
This sweet girl was in rough shape when she came to Nine Lives in early December. She had an ear infection, upper respiratory infection, tapeworms, and severe dental disease that had resulted in several missing teeth.
After many weeks of treatment for her various illnesses, Kugel was finally healthy enough to undergo a much-needed dental surgery at our clinic. The procedure, performed by the skilled hands of Dr. Desai, removed Kugel’s remaining teeth to ensure she’d finally be comfortable and pain-free.
With her medical issues now behind her, Kugel moved into our group room with the hopes of finding her forever family. Along the way, she developed a friendship with Rumpleteazer, a curious and lively kitty who came to us from the Stockton Animal Shelter in October.
Kugel and Rumpleteazer loved to play with toy mice and chase each other around the room. Afterwards, they’d cuddle and bathe each other. Although they weren’t a bonded pair, we hoped they could remain together.
Kugel and Rumpleteazer 💙
Yesterday, our wish came true. Kugel and Rumpleteazer were adopted together and made their way to their new home in Palo Alto. We’re so excited they finally found the home they’d been waiting for — with their best friend by their side.
Wheel You Be Our Valentine?
Valentine’s Day might be over, but it’s never too late to show your love for Nine Lives! One easy way to express your love is by donating a used vehicle. We accept vehicle donations of all types — cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, boats, and RVs — whether they’re running or not. The process is straightforward, the pick-up is free, and best of all, your donation is tax-deductible.
To donate, simply fill out a secure online form at careasy.org/nine-lives-foundation or call (855) 500-7433. We accept all types of vehicles, as long as they meet these basic requirements: the vehicle has a clear title, the vehicle is in one piece, and the vehicle is accessible for safe towing.
By donating your vehicle, you’re helping us continue our vital work to rescue and care for cats in need. So, if you have an old vehicle sitting in your garage or driveway, why not consider donating it to Nine Lives? We’ll take care of the rest, and you’ll feel great knowing you’ve made a meaningful contribution to our cause. Thank you for your generous support!
Liam’s Corner
Earlier this week, our team bid a very fond farewell to two of our favorite long-term residents, Trill and Lady Gaga.
Lady Gaga came to Nine Lives from an East Bay rescue organization in August 2018. She’s a social kitty who gets along with everyone and loves to be the center of attention. Lady Gaga has Manx Syndrome, a genetic mutation that causes spinal deformities and can lead to incontinence issues. Despite her adorable face and friendly demeanor, Lady Gaga’s fecal incontinence made it challenging to find her a forever home.
Trill came to us from the Central California SPCA in May 2021. Named for her endearing chatter, she’s a fun-loving kitty with a ton of personality. Trill walks with an adorable wobbly strut due to a neurological disorder that also causes constipation and incontinence issues. Like Lady Gaga, her incontinence made it difficult to find a place of her own.
Lady Gaga (L) and Trill (R) ❤️
While they were waiting to find a forever home, Trill and Lady Gaga lived in one of the treatment rooms at the back of our Adoption Center. Here, they had an entire room to themselves, with frequent visitors and plenty of space to lounge and play. On days when the Adoption Center was closed, Trill and Gaga were allowed to free roam. They had really comfortable lives but we knew there was something better for them out there.
Over the past year, our amazing vet assistant Amelia made countless calls to cat rescues and sanctuaries all over the country to find a suitable place for our special girls. Finally, after more than a year of searching, she found them a home at Copper’s Cat Commune, an indoor/outdoor sanctuary near Houston specifically designed for cats with special needs.
With a giant catio and an entire house cared for by a full medical team, Trill and Lady Gaga will spend the rest of their lives in an essential “Disney World” for cats.
They can socialize with new friends, play in their beautiful vast enclosure, and thrive in ways that were not possible at our Adoption Center.
Vet Assistants Amelia and Arthi with the guests of honor.
After finalizing the arrangements and booking flights, it was time for us to bid them farewell. On Tuesday afternoon the team got together to celebrate and share our final goodbyes before Trill and Lady Gaga’s departure. Afterwards I drove them back to my house where Trill excitedly reunited with my dog (and her BFF) Ernie. They enjoyed some quality playtime together, and then we all retired to get some rest before our grand adventure.
Getting ready to board our flight!
The next day we embarked on a smooth and uneventful flight from San Francisco to Houston, followed by a short drive to our final destination in Spring, Texas.
After a tour of the facilities, lots of kisses, and a tearful goodbye, I left Trill and Lady Gaga to explore their new home. Although we will miss them dearly, we know they will be loved, cared for, and living their best lives.
I want to express my gratitude for the entire Nine Lives team, who have poured so much love into Trill and Lady Gaga over the last few years. I also want to give a very special thank you to Amelia, whose hard work and dedication changed the lives of two remarkable kitties.
Finally, I want to thank our generous donors, whose steadfast support allows us to care for special kitties like Trill and Lady Gaga, for however long is necessary.
