In August, 26 cats and kittens found their forever homes!
- Six of the cats adopted this month had been with our rescue for 100+ days.
- There were four double adoptions.
- Two of the cats are Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) positive.
- Two cats received dental surgery.
- One cat was a recipient of the Lazzy Fund.
- One cat recently graduated from our Forgotten Feline program.
Our rescue relies heavily on donations from our amazing supporters to help us give the cats in our care the best possible chance at long, healthy lives where they are cherished by their forever families. In response to the cats in our program’s needs, we have created our Forgotten Feline program to help scared and under-socialized cats regain trust and confidence. We have also created The Lazzy Fund, which gives a second chance to those cats who have been neglected and forgotten, including cats in need of critical and lifesaving medical care.
We’re excited to share that Wendy and Jaws, a dynamic duo who met in foster care, were adopted by their foster mom, Julie. This is truly a story of resilience and love, and how teamwork saves cats’ lives while enriching ours.
Jaws entered Ten Lives’ care in July 2022 after a Good Samaritan reported seeing what appeared to be an injured cat. Our Community Cats team was able to humanely trap him so he could get the veterinary care he needed. We are particularly proud to share Jaws’ story as he is a graduate of Ten Lives’ Forgotten Feline program. He’s also a Lazzy Fund recipient.
Our veterinary partner estimated Jaws to be between 3-5 years old. He tested positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and was diagnosed with a Grade III heart murmur. Heart murmurs indicate that blood is not flowing as smoothly as it should through the heart’s chambers, and they can be benign or an indicator of underlying illness or defect. A Grade III murmur is considered to be of intermediate intensity and is the most common. In addition, Jaws showed signs of an old injury to his jaw that left him with a rather unique and irresistible smile.
Julie started fostering Jaws in July 2022. “He was very hissy and scared,” Julie shared. “He hid under a bed for three months.” Out of curiosity, she set up a video camera to find out what Jaws did when she wasn’t home. Sure enough, he came right out after she left, but he’d scoot under the bed as soon as she walked through the door.
“I tried everything, even using squeeze-up treats, but he wouldn’t come to me. He eventually accepted very gentle touches, but only when he was eating a treat.” Julie said.
Julie wondered if another cat might help Jaws come out of his shell and show him the ropes, especially that humans can be trusted. Working with Ten Lives, they found a match in Wendy, a 10-month-old tabby from Purrfect Match Cat Rescue in Tennessee, who was reportedly very good with other cats and trusted humans completely.
Following Ten Lives’ recommendations, Julie kept Jaws and Wendy separated for three days by keeping Wendy in a crate. Amazingly, Jaws immediately came out of hiding and either sat beside or on top of the crate. “He didn’t leave her side. He would just sit there and calmly watch her,” Julie said. “They eat together, play together, and cuddle together. Sometimes I’ll hear them running up and down the hallway during the night, occasionally knocking something over.”
It took some time, but Jaws has made huge gains. “One day, he decided to hop on my bed and lie down,” Julie said. “He’s still a bit stiff around me, but he’ll walk up to me, flop down and roll over.”
On July 17, 2023, Julie formally adopted Wendy and Jaws. “I couldn’t imagine letting them go. Wendy came to us in December, and she truly was a Christmas present for both of us.”
Congratulations to Baja Blast, Bambina, Boaz, Bronson, Clem, Emmy Lou, Fatman, Felix, Fruitquake, Honeybee, Jaws, Jetty, Lane Seven 1, Lane Seven 2, Legolas, Luke, Mac & Cheese, Major Melon, Mimi, Moon, Salem, Sebastian, Sparrow, Tutu, Wendy, and Wynonna for finding their forever homes!
Are you interested in adopting a cat from Ten Lives Cat Rescue? Take a look at our adoptable cats!
How can you help the cats currently in Ten Lives’ care? Sponsor a Forgotten Feline, become a foster, apply for one of our volunteer opportunities, donate to The Lazzy Fund, or purchase a needed item on our Wishlist.