Earlier this year, we shared our goal of rescuing 200 kittens this kitten season. As of last week, we met (and surpassed!) that goal when we welcomed the “Game of Thrones” litter from San Jose Animal Care. Akatken (Dothraki for “200”) and his siblings Cersei, Tyrion, and Drogo arrived at our clinic last Wednesday and went to a foster home that afternoon.
Since then, these two-month-old siblings have been busy playing, sleeping, and practicing their purr motors. They’re getting chubbier by the minute, their coloring and markings are becoming more defined, and they are developing their own unique personalities to match!
Akatken is on medication for an eye issue that may eventually require surgery. He also was born with a congenital defect resulting in an undeveloped, shortened front leg. But it doesn’t slow him down — he loves to jump and play with the rest of the group! His tiny sister Cersei, the nurturer, has taken Akatken under her wing, bathes him, and curls up with him when he gets tired.
Drogo, the biggest of the bunch, is a gentle giant who likes to knead and purr in the kitten pile. Tyrion is the leader of the group — a curious and confident adventurer who loves warm laps.
The Game of Thrones kittens will be enjoying the comfort of their foster home until they’re big enough to be spayed/neutered and healthy enough to be adopted. Keep an eye on our social media for updates!
Calendar Contest Update
There’s just over a week remaining in our 2023 Calendar Photo Contest, and the competition is heating up!
Since our last update, Betty has taken the lead with 176 votes and Katamari is right behind with 172 votes. Rounding out the top 15 are Oliver, Zuni, Tessa & Toby, Toby, Birdie, Lady Gaga, Alvin & Salem, Suki, Nala, Ellie, Peanut & Sesame, Luna & Orion, and Tink.
It’s not too late to enter your own kitty for a chance to win the top prize or be featured as a Cat of the Month in our 2023 calendar. Go to our contest website to enter, and then ask your friends, family, and co-workers to join in the fun and make your cat a star! Voting ends on Sunday, July 31st at 11:59 pm Pacific Time.
Take Me Home Tonight:
Holly Edition
Holly is an adorable four-year-old kitty with silky fur and gorgeous golden eyes. She’s curious and affectionate, incredibly playful, and loves to be the center of attention. She came to us from Stockton Animal Shelter in January, which makes her one of our Adoption Center’s longest-term residents.
When Holly came to Nine Lives, she had signs of an upper respiratory infection, labored breathing, frequent vomiting, and weight loss. After several exams, x-rays, blood tests, and a few visits to specialists, Holly was diagnosed with megaesophagus, a condition which makes it difficult for the muscles in her throat to swallow food normally.
Over the next few months we tried different medications and treatment methods until we finally found the perfect combination. Holly eats out of an elevated food bowl, which allows gravity to help her swallow food, and receives medication that stimulates her esophagus to help speed up digestion.
While Holly is currently stable, she needs an attentive adopter that is dedicated to keeping her happy and healthy. In return, she will shower her forever family with lots of love and nonstop entertainment.
Come by and meet Holly today! Our Adoption Center is open Thursdays through Sundays from 12:00 to 6:00 pm. And if you’d like to support our rescue efforts so we can help more cats like Holly, you can give online at ninelivesfoundation.kindful.com or via the PayPal Giving Fund.
Liam’s Corner
Two weeks ago, I had the honor of attending the Best Friends National Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. It was wonderful to connect with so many dedicated and compassionate animal welfare volunteers and staff from around the country and learn from the world’s very best animal welfare experts. I am inspired and energized to bring that knowledge back home to the Bay Area.
As I’m sure most of you know, this has been an overwhelming kitten season with so many shelters significantly over capacity. We have made every effort to save as many as possible and are thrilled to have reached our goal of rescuing 200 kittens this season. But there is a lot more work to be done…
In order for us to continue our mission, we need to get our fabulous furry residents out of the Adoption Center and into forever homes. We’re excited to partner with Best Friends Animal Society and other Best Friend Network Partners to address this urgency. This weekend, more than 530 shelters, including Nine Lives, will be offering reduced or waived fees during Best Friends National Adoption Weekend.
Today through Sunday (July 22-24), all available Nine Lives kittens and adult cats (up to 10 years old) will be $75 per cat, and all senior kitties (10+ years old) will be free!
Check out our adoptable kitties at ninelivesfoundation.org/adoptions, then come by our Adoption Center today through Sunday between 12:00 – 6:00 pm to find your perfect match. You can also help us share the love by forwarding this email to family members or friends looking for a new pet.
Nine Lives Needs YOU!
We continue to need your support more than ever. Please check out our most recent campaign video to see how your donations can support our rescue efforts. And if you’d like to join our life-saving mission, click here to make a gift to Nine Lives.
