February 6, 2023
Dear Mindy,

I am writing to you today with some urgency, asking for your help supporting our commitment to the at-risk cats in our community and beyond. In these first several weeks of 2023, we’ve continued to partner with overwhelmed shelters and rescue groups all over California to save cats at risk of euthanasia. In addition to this ongoing work, we were recently asked to help with a situation developing in Fremont that needs quick intervention.
Last month we learned of a large number of abandoned cats that had been dumped in a Fremont parking lot. A good Samaritan who was feeding the kitties would be moving soon, leaving them to fight for resources in an unstable environment. Luckily someone reached out to our rescue allies at Pink Paws For The Cause and Gatos De La Noche.
Pinocchio in the bushes near the parking lot (L) and after being trapped (R).
As we’ve said many times, collaboration among rescue organizations is key to ensuring the health and safety of the cats in our community. Pink Paws For The Cause and Gatos De La Noche have been working hard to trap these kitties, while we’ve committed to housing them and providing the medical and behavioral care they need to be happy and healthy.

So far six of the cats have made their way to our Adoption Center. Geppetto and Pinocchio need dental surgery (which is quite costly and requires imaging, a full veterinary team, weeks of recovery, and a special diet). They're also FIV+, which usually means a much longer stay at the shelter due to stigmas surrounding the condition.
Geppetto in his trap (L) and at our Adoption Center.
Hydrangea and her sister Wisteria were extremely fearful when they arrived. After a few days, they started accepting pets and enjoying treats from the palms of our hands. They both received spays and are now staying with one of our wonderful foster parents to help with their socialization. 
Hydrangea in her trap (L) and at our Adoption Center (R).
Adding some complexity to the situation, a neighboring cat colony has joined the group of abandoned kitties. With most of these 40-50 kitties not spayed or neutered, and kitten season fast approaching, our mission has become even more critical.

With the help of our rescue partners, we are evaluating each cat’s individual needs to determine the best course of action. Whether it’s Trap Neuter and Return (TNR) for the feral kitties, placement in our adoption center for the socialized cats, or enrollment in our Cat Care and Enrichment program for the less-socialized kitties in the group, we are prepared to help however we can.

As the situation unfolds, we’ll need to have resources available. The medical needs of the abandoned cats have already been significant. The colony cats also need veterinary exams and routine care, and many may require more involved medical treatment. Providing spay and neuter surgeries costs us a few hundred dollars per cat. And housing cats at our Adoption Center — and providing food, litter, and other necessary supplies — costs much more than what their adoption fee covers.

In short, we need your help. Your donations will immediately be used towards this complex and costly effort. Can you help us give them a second chance? 
We are so grateful that the support of our dedicated donors enables us to step up in urgent situations like these. We will update you as we progress in this multi-partner rescue effort so that you can see how your donations save lives. 
In partnership,
Liam Montgomery
Executive Director, Nine Lives Foundation
P.S. Our friends at Pink Paws For The Cause are currently seeking feeders for the colonies they manage and to expand their foster network. If you are interested in working with this amazing team, please reach out here!

Nine Lives Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with Tax ID 20-2150714.
All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.