Say hello to Drax, an adorable orange tabby with extra toes, a big heart, and an even bigger purr.
At just six months old, Drax has already faced more challenges than most kittens will ever know. Rescued from a heartbreaking hoarding situation in early January, he arrived at Nine Lives in desperate need of care.
Drax had an upper respiratory infection, ear mites, bacterial ear infections in both ears, diarrhea, and a noticeable head tilt. But despite all his ailments, this sweet boy has shown nothing but love.
Drax is a polydactyl kitty, meaning he has extra toes, which makes him all the more special — and incredibly adept at reaching out for affection! He’s not shy about letting you know he needs love, often climbing into your arms and cuddling close as if his life depended on it. His sweet and affectionate nature has quickly made him a staff favorite at our Adoption Center.
Sweet Drax and his many toes 🧡
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been giving Drax everything he needs to thrive: vaccines, ear drops, antibiotics, supplements, and of course, plenty of toys and lots of love. Now, with his recovery nearly complete, Drax will soon be ready to find his forever home! Could his next chapter include you?
Drax’s journey is just one of many that highlights why our mission matters so deeply. If you’d like to help us rescue and care for more kitties like Drax, please consider making a life-saving donation today.
February is just around the corner, and with it comes Spay and Neuter Awareness Month — a time to spotlight one of the most impactful ways we can save feline lives.
Spaying and neutering are essential to reducing cat overpopulation and ensuring that fewer cats face homelessness. They also offer critical health benefits, such as lowering the risk of certain cancers and helping to curb behavioral issues.
For feral cats, Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs are a lifeline, stabilizing colonies and improving their quality of life.
If your cat hasn’t been spayed or neutered, now is the perfect time! Our clinic provides best-in-class care at affordable prices, ensuring cost is never a barrier to doing what’s best for your pet.
Don’t wait — schedule your appointment today to give your cat a healthier, brighter future and help us build a better world for cats everywhere.
In August we introduced you to Shmisty, a sweet grey tabby who joined us from the Stockton Animal Shelter last March. Although Shmisty’s gentle and loving nature was undeniable, her shy personality often kept her in the background. Eventually, she became our longest-tenured resident, quietly waiting while her feline roommates found their forever homes.
For months, Shmisty kept to herself, content with her own company — until Molly, a lively tortie, arrived in October. The two quickly became inseparable, spending their days together and finding comfort in each other’s company.
Determined to help Shmisty find her perfect match, we shared her story far and wide. We featured her on social media, in local newspapers, and even created custom pins to raise awareness. In the meantime, Shmisty enjoyed the love, treats, and cozy spaces we provided while she waited for her special someone.
Then, two weeks ago, Robyn visited our Adoption Center. Shmisty, normally shy with new faces, surprised everyone by greeting her with a friendly nudge. Robyn knew right away that Shmisty was the kitty for her! But she didn’t just adopt Shmisty; she brought Molly home too, keeping the two best friends together.
Robyn with Shmisty and Molly 💜
Shmisty’s story is a heartwarming reminder that every cat’s journey is unique. Some take a little longer to find their perfect match, but thanks to your support, we can provide the love and care they need for as long as it takes.
Ways to Give
Your support makes all the difference to the kitties in our care. Whether it’s through monthly giving, donating much-needed items, or leaving a lasting legacy, every contribution helps save lives.
Here are a handful of ways you can make a difference — be sure to visit our Ways to Give page for even more options. The kitties are so grateful for your care and generosity!
Happy New Year, everyone! As we step into 2025, I’m reflecting on the extraordinary progress we made together in 2024 — and looking ahead with excitement and hope.
Last year marked transformational growth for Nine Lives. We performed over 6,300 spay/neuter surgeries — a 55% increase from 2023 — and doubled our Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) efforts for the second year in a row. These programs are the cornerstone of reducing overpopulation and improving the lives of community cats, and we’re proud to lead the way in protecting feral cats throughout the Bay Area.
We also partnered with more than 50 rescue organizations, providing vital services to thousands of cats and kittens. Perhaps most heartwarming of all, we rescued and found loving homes for nearly 1,000 cats and kittens. Additionally, with a 98% live release rate in 2024, we upheld our commitment as a No-Kill shelter — a distinction we hold with immense pride.
Cats recovering from their spay/neuter surgeries
These accomplishments were a team effort in every sense, and I am so proud of what we’ve achieved together.
Looking ahead, we’re putting the finishing touches on our 2024 Impact Report, which highlights the incredible difference your generosity has made. We’re excited to share this powerful snapshot of everything we accomplished and the lasting impact we’re making together.
Nine Lives staff with our 2023 No-Kill plaque
As we embark on this new year, I’m filled with gratitude for our incredible community and excitement for the opportunities ahead. Together, we’ve achieved so much, and I know the year ahead holds even greater potential.
We have big plans to grow our programs, expand our impact, and save even more lives. None of this would be possible without your support and dedication to our mission.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of the Nine Lives family. Here’s to another incredible year of making the world a better place for cats and kittens.
