Blog - Ten Lives Cat Rescue

September 22, 2023September 22, 2023Volunteer

Volunteer Spotlight: Kelsey

Did you know that Ten Lives Cat Rescue is run entirely by volunteers? We currently have over 100 volunteers in various roles helping us achieve our mission—to save homeless, abused, and abandoned cats by providing veterinary care, rehabilitation services, and then placing them into loving adoptive homes.

Kelsey has been volunteering with us since November 2021, after adopting her second cat with us. We think the highest praise is when an adopter decides to join our organization as a volunteer! Kelsey started as one of our Adoption Coordinators, and soon joined our dedicated PetSmart team. Over the last year, she also joined our foster team and has helped several cats find their forever homes! She is currently fostering K-Ci, who is available for adoption.

Kelsey has three resident “Ten Lives diva cats”—Zuzu, Winnie, and Mona.

1. How did you start volunteering at Ten Lives?

After I adopted my second Ten Lives cat in 2021, I knew I wanted to be a part of the organization and give back. I started as an Adoption Coordinator, and later, I became a PetSmart volunteer and a foster.

2. What motivates you to give back to the community with Ten Lives?

I grew up with cats my entire life, and they’ve always held a very special place in my heart. Seeing all the cats that Ten Lives saves from suffering on the streets motivates me to want to do more (which is why I’ve partly convinced my fiancé to use our guest space as a foster room!). It truly takes a village to do rescue work, and it’s wonderful to see how many people also share the same passion to give back and to help save so many special, deserving cats.

3. What is your favorite memory while volunteering with us?

My favorite memory is when I fostered a cat named Sammy – the sweetest, fluffiest boy who was hanging out at PetSmart for several months waiting for his forever home. He never really left his homey “cube” there, so we thought it would be beneficial for him to have some time to explore outside of a cage as a foster at my house. He turned into a social, playful cat with a little love and space to blossom, and then found his forever home. I still get updates from his new family who love him, and I had the amazing opportunity to see how impactful fostering can be.

4. Why should others consider volunteering with us?

There is such a HUGE need for volunteers because of the sad reality that there are many, many cats in need. No amount of time is too little to volunteer! I also have to mention this because I work in healthcare/research, but being a volunteer is good for your emotional, physical, and mental health. It is scientifically proven that spending time with animals helps lower your stress levels and blood pressure, so volunteering has many benefits.

5. What do you love to do when you aren’t volunteering?

When I’m not volunteering, I’m typically drinking wine and falling asleep on the couch with my cats (like a true cat lady), sending my fiancé cat memes, asking him if we can foster more cats, enjoying nature, or planning our next house project!

Are you interested in volunteering with Ten Lives Cat Rescue? Read about our open volunteer roles and fill out a Volunteer Application, become a foster, sponsor a Forgotten Feline, support The Lazzy Fund, and purchase needed supplies through our Wishlist!

September 5, 2023September 4, 2023Adoption

August 2023 Adoptions

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.

August 24, 2023August 23, 2023Volunteer

Volunteer Spotlight: Sunny

Sunny has been volunteering with us since August 2022, and she immediately jumped in to help! While she initially joined us as a foster, Sunny didn’t hesitate to also help with transport fundraising and events, and cat-sitting for other volunteers as needed. Sunny described her role with the rescue as “to offer love and care in any way I feel capable,” and we are incredibly thankful she chose to volunteer with Ten Lives!

1. Do you have any resident or foster cats, or any other pets?

Over the years, I’ve adopted multiple cats from shelters and street rescues (one of my boys would bring home abandoned, hungry strays). When my last resident cat crossed the rainbow bridge this past February, my plan was to just foster from now on, but of course, I foster failed. Now, I have three resident cats (seven-month-old Truly, 21-month-old MeiMei, and four-month-old Pumpkin Kitti), Ten Lives alumni. Three of my previous fosters, Emba (renamed Gnocchi), Willy, and Valentino, have been adopted and are now living their best lives! I am currently fostering three more—Snowdrop (who is currently available for adoption!), Socks, and Ebony. All three have special needs and/or require medical treatment, and all three will benefit from Ten Lives’ August 2023 5k Matching Gift Fundraiser.

2. How did you start volunteering at Ten Lives?

I found Ten Lives while searching for shelters to foster with, and then sent in my volunteer application. Ten Lives Foster Coordinator, Johanna, conducted a very pleasant and thorough phone interview with me, and she provided excellent guidance to get me started.

3. What motivates you to give back to the community with Ten Lives?

Through volunteering with Ten Lives, I feel like I am doing what I am meant to be doing and living my life with more purpose, passion, and affection. I feel happier, more fulfilled, and deeper connected with people and surroundings. Regardless of challenges, it gives me a good day, every day.

4. What is your favorite memory while volunteering with us?

I have so many already, but I will share two here about my first foster fail, MeiMei, and my former foster, Willy. MeiMei was a young, undersocialized mama, and was rescued at only about a year old with a litter of kittens. She was extremely afraid, upon arriving at Ten Lives In October 2022, and later became my foster in December 2022. Over time, with patience and care, she started to come out of her shell. She hasn’t totally let go of her shy tendencies yet, but she has become so much more relaxed, and often rolls on the floors showing her stomach, and grooms and plays with the other cats. Once she felt comfortable enough to stay near me and accept my touch, and even a quick snuggle, the rest was history. She is officially my foster-fail!

Having had the privilege to foster Willy was one of the most fulfilling experiences. He had my heart at first sight! Willy has Cerebellar Hypoplasia (CH), which inflicts no pain but affects motor skills. While fostering Willy, I learned that CH does not affect life expectancy, and cats with this condition can live normal, healthy, and happy lives. Willy was free-spirited and happy, made friends with everyone, and he loved sleeping in my arms. He was such an abundance of joy, and he never let his wobbly gait stop him from having fun or showing affection.

I only had him for a short time, but his departure left a gaping hole in my heart. To this day, the thought of him continues to fill my heart with overwhelming love. Ever since learning about his condition, I became aware of how many more “Willys” exist out there, and knowing that, given the chance, they would flourish, too!

As every foster parent knows, the goal for us is “good-bye” and for our foster to go home with the best forever family for them. Willy was adopted and is loved by an awesome family that offers him the world!

5. Why should others consider volunteering with us?

I was hooked after reading Ten Lives’ mission statement. Ten Lives has a great organization and database, providing abundant information and resources online not just to Ten Lives Rescue team members but also to reachable communities. I wanted to be part of that! What exercises love and compassion more completely and unconditionally than volunteer-power at 100%? I have been so impressed by Ten Lives’ being a non-profit organization without a brick and mortar building and with its skilled team—from admins, event and intake coordinators, and trappers to fosterers—it is an incredible powerhouse and friendly, supportive network!

6. What do you love to do when you aren’t volunteering?

Whenever I can, I opt to go for a nature walk, and when walking alone, I listen to podcasts for spiritual growth. I love cruising around local attractions (arts/crafts festivals, concerts, and museums) and visiting shelters/rescues, cat cafes, or fundraising events. I also love snuggling with my fur-babies on the couch while reading or watching TV.

August 10, 2023August 7, 2023Adoption

July 2023 Adoptions

This past month was an exciting one for our rescue! 31 cats and kittens found their forever homes!

Three of the cats adopted this month had been with our rescue for 100+ days.
Two cats were recipients of the Lazzy Fund.
Two cats are Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) positive.
There were two double adoptions, and one triple adoption.
One senior cat was adopted.
One cat recently graduated from our Forgotten Feline program.

We are thrilled to report that Bear, a handsome 5-1/2 year-old domestic short hair, secured his forever home on July 13th! We are particularly proud to share Bear’s story because it exemplifies our mission, which includes “giving a second chance to cats who have been forgotten: seniors, the physically and emotionally scarred, the behaviorally challenged, and those who need critical medical care.”

While not a senior, Bear had already experienced plenty of hardships as a community cat. Thankfully, a Good Samaritan brought him to us in December 2022. Since then, he has received exceptional care, love, and an endless supply of chin scratches. We wish to thank Sarah, his foster mom, for providing a safe and caring environment for this special kitty.

Bear’s Journey

Bear’s initial exam revealed a severe ear infection, limited range of motion in his hind limbs, and significant dental issues. He is also FIV+. “Bear had a mouth full of bad teeth and really bad yeast infections in both ears,” said his foster mom, Sarah. “The poor guy was a mess.”

Needless to say, his health problems impacted his behaviors. “He was definitely very afraid and very vocal,” Sarah shared. “There was a lot of hissing and growling in the early days but he would never swipe or bite.”

A few weeks after settling in, Sarah noticed something peculiar about his gait. “He walked with a very obvious limp. Luckily Bear had a dental appointment at Vetco, so we were able to get an X-ray while he was sedated.” Unfortunately, the report confirmed her fears: something was wrong with Bear’s hind legs. But, what?

“The veterinarian said she had never seen anything like it and recommended we see an orthopedic surgeon at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists.” Following her advice, Sarah scheduled a consultation with Dr. Coronado, an orthopedic specialist at Ocean State.

Three months later, a more intensive exam confirmed the earlier impressions. Apparently, Bear had suffered a traumatic pelvic injury in the past that had caused tissue to calcify in both hips and thighs. As a result, Bear’s range of motion had been significantly compromised in both legs.

“The prognosis was that Bear wouldn’t actually benefit from surgery and he may instead benefit from physical therapy,” Sarah said. “This led me to Louise at Rhode Island Pet Rehab (RIPR) where she did some massages to his legs, a laser therapy treatment, and some light stretches.” Bear made such an impression that RIPR committed to providing these services to Bear for as long as needed – even after he’s adopted! “Before I could take Bear to his second (therapy) appointment, he was adopted!” Sarah shared.

“By the time Bear had left, he was a gentle, sweet and affectionate boy who loved to be brushed and sleep in his heated window seat (which went with him).”

Once again, Ten Lives wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Sarah for the amazing care she provided to Bear. We also want to thank Rhode Island Pet Rehab for their incredible generosity and those who provided medical care and support.

Congratulations, Bear! We wish you many more years of love, happiness, and treats with your new family.

We’d like to extend additional congratulations to Alison Purrlogna, Baca, Barry, BJs 1, Chowder, Christina Erknead, Clam Cake, Concrete, Corduroy, Daniel, Drill Bit, Drywall, Ellie, Frank Clawpano, Gene Valhissenti, Henry, Hotdog, Joel, Kyra, Mademoiselle Fluffington, Milkshake, Oyster, Pawl, Pawtrice Wood, Plywood, Sam, Samuel, Tess, Willow Tree Chicken Salad, and Ziggy for finding their forever homes!

Are you interested in adopting a cat from Ten Lives Cat Rescue? Take a look at our adoptable cats!

July 25, 2023June 9, 2023Volunteer

Volunteer Spotlight: Angela

Angela has been volunteering with Ten Lives for about a year but has been involved with animal rescue for much longer! Angela is one of our amazing fosters, and she is a part of our Community Cats team. She also helps manage our social media inbox—if you’ve reached out to us, there’s a chance you have spoken to Angela! Angela has three resident dogs named Griff, Gus, and Riley, and one cat names Penny. She is currently fostering Barry, a six-week-old kitten and former bottle baby, and Ziti, a two-year-old pregnant cat. We are thankful Angela chose to volunteer with our rescue and appreciate everything she does!

1. How did you start volunteering at Ten Lives?

I’ve been involved in animal rescue for over five years and have always enjoyed working with both dogs and cats. I am now working from home full time and have the time and love to give to a foster animal. I try to help in any way I can within the rescue with fostering, trapping, and other support!

2. What motivates you to give back to the community with Ten Lives?

I absolutely love being able to support our community by caring for foster cats and community cats. The Ten Lives volunteers have built such a connected community that we are able to support people in the entire state of RI; whether that’s through owner surrenders, trap-neuter-return (TNR), or abandoned cats. Through the rescue’s social media messages, I can see that there are so many people in our community who care about the kitties they see outside, and it’s amazing we are able to help them.

3. What is your favorite memory while volunteering with us?

This year I had the privilege of learning how to bottle feed, and I was able to help a two-week-old kitten that was found in a machine at the landfill early on a Saturday morning. I was able to pick him up and bring him home, figure out how to bottle feed and stimulate him to eat/use the bathroom, and he is now thriving. He is now six weeks old and is eating kitten food. It was an amazing experience, even having to get up to feed him every three hours for a few weeks. The experience was incredibly rewarding, and I will certainly be helping with bottle feeding kittens again soon.

4. Why should others consider volunteering with us?

There are so many different roles within our organization, which makes it easy to find one that you enjoy and fits your schedule. The team support we have within Ten Lives is amazing, and I always know that I can reach out on Facebook or directly to the others volunteers and can receive support with any issues I may be having. The best part about Ten Lives is that you are never expected to get in over your head or put in a situation where you feel overwhelmed. Our Intake Coordinator, Kim, works with our fosters to find the right fit for each person and cat’s situation.

5. What do you love to do when you aren’t volunteering?

I love to spend time with my dogs and go for hikes in our area.