Say hello to Valentina, an adorable one-year-old calico with a strong spirit and a heart full of love. When she came to us from the Hayward Animal Shelter, she was in a heartbreaking state. Her body was covered in scabs, her fur was thin and patchy, and her face and ears were raw with painful lesions. The relentless itching caused her to scratch and rub at her skin, making her suffering even worse. And if that wasn’t enough, she also had ear mites in both ears.
Valentina needed help — fast. Our team immediately stepped in, providing treatments to soothe her skin and ease her pain. With a combination of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and a hypoallergenic diet, her transformation began.
Slowly but surely, her scabs began to heal, her fur started to grow back, and for the first time in a long time, she could rest without pain. Each day, she grows more comfortable in her own skin and one step closer to the loving home she deserves.
Despite everything she’s been through, Valentina has remained an affectionate, social, and incredibly sweet kitty. Even at her most uncomfortable, she purred, made biscuits, and climbed into our arms for cuddles. She adores being held, perching on shoulders, and giving kisses — she truly lives for love.
Valentina is continuing her recovery with one of our wonderful foster families and will soon be ready to meet the forever family she’s been waiting for. Could that be you?
If you’re looking for a kitty who will fill your home with love, keep an eye out — Valentina will be ready for adoption soon! And if you’d like to help us rescue and care for more kitties like her, please consider making a lifesaving donation today.
Add a little luck — and a little love — to your life with our St. Paddy’s Day Adoption Special! Whether you’re looking for a playful kitten or a wise, whiskered companion, your perfect match is waiting at the end of the Nine Lives rainbow.
Visit our Adoption Center this weekend and bring home your own little leprechaun for only $50! We’re open Thursday and Friday from noon to 5:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Don’t miss this magical opportunity — your lucky charm is waiting!
Ringworm is a common fungal infection in cats that is completely treatable with the right care. However, treatment requires twice-weekly medicated baths — an intensive process that can be challenging for shelters with limited staff and space. Unfortunately, when resources are stretched thin, providing this level of care isn’t always feasible.
At Nine Lives, we’re fortunate to have the resources that allow us to treat ringworm-positive cats and help them recover. Our dedicated staff and volunteers ensure these cats receive the care they need to heal and thrive.
With time, patience, and the right treatment, these cats heal beautifully — just look at Elvis drying off after his bath with our Vet Assistant, Tim!
Whether you volunteer or donate, you’re making a direct impact on cats battling ringworm and other medical conditions. Together, we can give them the second chance they deserve.
Liam’s Corner
Kitten season is underway, and while we care for the growing number of kittens entering our doors, our commitment to adult cats remains just as strong — including those facing medical challenges. Cats like Mocha, whose strength and spirit inspire us daily, remind us why this work matters so much.
Mocha is a stunning seal point kitty with mesmerizing blue eyes and an unbreakable spirit. When she arrived at Nine Lives, it was clear she had been through a lot. She struggled to walk, her hind legs dragging behind her, likely due to past trauma. She also suffered from severe dental disease, urinary tract and upper respiratory infections, and stomatitis — a painful condition that causes inflammation in the mouth and gums.
Our medical team quickly sprang into action. Mocha received antibiotics and antivirals to tackle her infections and provide much-needed relief. Then, she underwent an hours-long dental surgery at our clinic to remove all her teeth and alleviate her pain.
Our cat care and enrichment volunteers provided daily play sessions, helping her stay active and strengthening her legs. Though her mobility remains limited, she’s growing stronger and more confident every day.
After a month of healing, Mocha is ready to find her forever family. She’ll thrive in a home where she can safely navigate a single floor, protected from stairs and potential falls. With her sweet, gentle nature, she’ll be a loving companion for someone who’s ready to embrace her unique needs.
If Mocha’s story touches your heart, we invite you to help us save more cats like her. Your support makes all the difference, providing lifesaving care for cats with medical challenges and giving them the chance to live happy, healthy lives.
