February is Spay and Neuter Awareness Month. There are many health and behavioral benefits to spaying or neutering your pet, and it also helps control overpopulation. Some of the benefits include:
Fewer unwanted kittens
Decreased transmission of FeLV & FIV
Less desire to roam & fight
Decreased urine spraying
Decreased risk of mammary/testicular cancer
Healthier & happier cats!
All of the cats and kittens that are adopted from Nine Lives have already been fixed — the adoption fee covers a large portion of that expense. But to help ensure everyone has access to this critical procedure, Nine Lives Foundation provides low cost spay and neuter services to feral and community cats in traps, other rescue groups, and limited privately-owned cats. Because we do not have a veterinarian on-site every day, our capacity is limited and it is important to always make an appointment by calling the clinic at (650) 368-1365. Visit our website for more information.
Cat Clinic
In addition to spay and neuter services, Nine Lives also offers a low-cost vaccination clinic for cats on Wednesdays from 4:00 -7:00 pm at our clinic located 3137 Jefferson Ave in Redwood City. No appointment is needed — just bring your cat in a carrier. If your cat was previously vaccinated elsewhere, please bring their vaccination records if you have them.
In addition to vaccinations, we also offer FIV/FeLV testing, toenail trimming, and microchipping. Even if you don’t expect your cat to be outside, it is always a good idea to get your pet microchipped. An escaped indoor cat that does not know its way outside could easily get lost, and shelters can euthanize a found un-chipped pet in less than a week! Microchipping only costs $20 and lasts the life of your pet, making it a worthwhile investment.
Adoption Update
We received an adoption update from one of our most floofy former residents, Harry Houdini! Harry was at Nine Lives from March 2018 to October 2020 while we found the best diet and treatment plan to manage his allergic dermatitis and he waited patiently for his furever family.
Now known simply as “Houdini,” this regal gent enjoys play time, leisurely naps on the couch, and supervising his parents while they’re on their computers. Houdini is truly living his best life and we couldn’t be happier for him and his family.
Cat Socialization Update
Last month we told you about the nineteen cats we were socializing that had been rescued from a hoarding situation. These cats were quite frightened and not used to interacting with people, but over the past several weeks we have been working with these scaredy cats and have seen a massive transformation in so many of them! In fact, of the original nineteen, only three have not yet been adopted!
Patience, kindness, and positive reinforcement have gone a long way towards transforming these scared kitties into loving cats ready for their furever homes. If you are working with a tricky kitty, check out these tips for socialization from the ASPCA.
Updated Clinic Hours
Our clinic is currently open Monday-Friday. Note our updated hours below. Per state and local public health guidelines, we require visitors to follow social distancing guidelines and wear a mask over their mouth and nose at all times.
Look out for future editions of Nine Lives Foundation Mews News!
