Established in 2004 to help combat the feline overpopulation problem in Northern California, Nine Lives is a no-kill shelter that provides that second chance for cats that have, for various reasons, been deemed unadoptable by other shelters and scheduled for euthanasia. With the exception of cases where pain is extreme and/or medical prognosis the worst, the organization never uses euthanasia on the cats and kittens that come through their doors. Once in their care, they will never transfer an animal to another shelter unless it practices the same viewpoint of euthanasia. Behavior issues and treatable medical conditions are not reasonable death sentences for this group, and they will house and care for the cat until a suitable permanent home is found.
Nine Lives also offers the Feline Well-Care Clinic (started in 2003 by the founder of Nine Lives and now running concurrently with the charity shelter). The clinic not only provides care for their feline residents (some of the cats that need steady, constant care are considered "permanent" members of the shelter), but for their guests, their neighbors, and the community. Offering low-cost spay/neuter, dentistry and vaccination services, the clinic also assists with local TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs that help minimize the damage and the starvation that overpopulated feral cat families are so often victims of.
Because their ultimate mission is to place these cats in caring homes permanently, they have no issue with waiting for the perfect match and will screen potential adopters, up to and including home visitation if they feel it is warranted. They also have adopted the policy of adopting kittens under certain age in pairs.
They accept monetary donations, item donations, and they welcome visitors to come pet, play, and socialize with the cats. It's not unusual to have at least one ambassador come greet you at the door and check out what you've brought them (there are some donations being inspected by the guard in the picture above).
Doing so allows both person and cat to become more comfortable with each other, and leads to some great connections. Having been there myself, I can say that being in a large room full of cats interested in your shoelaces can be quite an experience!
Visit them on the Web site mentioned above, or find them on Facebook under "Nine Lives Foundation" in your search.
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