Looking for a Valentine’s Day love who’s ready to steal your heart? Meet Smooch, a five-year-old tabby with the most irresistible chonky cheeks!
Smooch came to Nine Lives from the Los Banos Animal Shelter facing several health challenges, but that hasn’t stopped him from showing his BIG personality and even bigger heart.
After treatment for ringworm, tapeworms, an upper respiratory infection (URI), and an eye injury, he’s on his way to recovery and ready to find his forever home.
Smooch is a gentle giant with a tiny meow that’ll melt you every time. He’s friendly, outgoing, and always eager to greet visitors and soak up the attention. With his warm, lovable nature, he’s sure to add plenty of smiles (and smooches!) to your life.
Big, gentle Smooch 🧡
Is there room in your heart for Smooch? Come meet him at our Adoption Center and see if this sweet boy could be your perfect match! And if you’d like to help us rescue and care for more kitties like him, please consider making a lifesaving donation today.
This past Sunday, we gathered with over 70 of our incredible volunteers to celebrate their dedication and impact in 2024. Our volunteers are the heart of Nine Lives, and this event was our way of saying a heartfelt thank you!
We ❤️ our volunteers!
We also honored our longest-serving volunteers, who have given their time and love for 5, 10, and even 15+ years!
Among them (pictured) are Denise, Jo, Michele, Jana, Tatiana, Elizabeth, Susan, Mindy, Elizabeth, and Eva, who has been saving lives for an astounding 17 years.
From our Cat Care and Enrichment Volunteers and Hospital Helpers to Adoption Counselors and Foster Families — every role plays an integral part in our mission.
As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to keep growing. If you’ve ever thought about joining the Nine Lives volunteer team, now’s the time! There’s a place for every skill set and schedule. Learn more at ninelivesfoundation.org/get-involved.
Find Your Purrfect Valentine
This Valentine’s Day weekend, let love lead you to your new best friend! Today through Sunday, February 16, all adoptions are just $50. Whether you’re looking for a cuddly companion or a playful adventurer, we have plenty of cats and kittens ready to meet their forever match.
Don’t miss your chance to fall in love! Our Adoption Center is open Thursday and Friday from noon to 5:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Explore our adoptable cats at ninelivesfoundation.org/adoptions.
Spay and Neuter Special
In honor of Spay and Neuter Awareness Month, we’re offering 20% off our already low-cost spay/neuter services for the public all month long. Plus, if you schedule your appointment by the end of the month, your cat will receive a free microchip.
Spaying and neutering helps reduce the number of homeless cats and contributes to healthier cat communities. And with a microchip, your beloved pet has a better chance of finding their way back home.
Spread the word! Tell your friends, family, and neighbors about this limited-time offer. Appointments are filling up fast, so don’t wait!
We’re thrilled to share our 2024 Impact Report, which highlights the successes and milestones of the past year!
Thanks to your support, we rescued and found loving homes for significantly more cats than in 2023, giving them the second chances they deserve. Our low-cost spay/neuter program also expanded — improving pet health, supporting community cats through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), and helping to reduce the homeless cat population.
Your support makes an incredible impact and inspires us every day. Click here to see the full report and the difference you helped create!
Liam’s Corner
It was truly heartwarming to see so many of our amazing volunteers gathered under one roof at our Volunteer Appreciation Party last weekend! So much of their vital work happens across both of our facilities, and bringing everyone together was a beautiful reminder of the dedication, passion, and joy that fuel our mission every single day.
Hearing everyone’s stories and reasons for joining Nine Lives left me feeling deeply inspired — what an incredible community we have built together!
Liam with Eva, our longest-tenured volunteer 💙
As we celebrate Spay and Neuter Awareness Month, I want to highlight just how crucial these surgeries are to our lifesaving work.
Last year alone, we performed more than 6,300 spay and neuter procedures, preventing countless at-risk litters and giving more cats a chance at a happy, healthy life.
Gus, a two-year-old brown and white tabby with chubby cheeks, is just one example of why spaying and neutering is so important.
A kind Samaritan found Gus alone, frightened, and injured — likely from territorial fights as an unaltered street cat struggling to survive. When he arrived at Nine Lives in mid-January, he was terrified, with open wounds and battle scars across his head and nose.
Gus cowering in his condo shortly after arrival (L) and recovering from surgery (R)
Thanks to our expert medical team, Gus received the treatment he needed — wound care, antibiotics, vaccines, and neuter surgery. Meanwhile, our volunteers showered him with patience and love, helping him regain trust and confidence. Now, he’s ready for a forever family to give him the love he deserves.
Gus has discovered the joys of toys and catnip 💜
Cats like Gus rely on us — and we rely on you. Your gift today provides urgent medical care, affordable spay/neuter services, and second chances to cats in need.
This month and year-round, let’s continue spreading the message about the importance of spay and neuter. Together, we’re making a huge difference, and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this incredible team.
Cheers to all of you — and to another year of saving lives in 2025!
