Blog - Page 6 of 21 - Ten Lives Cat Rescue

October 25, 2022October 16, 2022Volunteer

Volunteer Spotlight: Linda

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.

Linda has been volunteering with us since the Spring of 2019 and has worn many hats since she joined us! She has been a Supply Coordinator, one of our Records Coordinators, a foster mom, our New Foster Mentor, and has assisted at our events. Currently, Linda is our Veterinary Coordinator—in this crucial role, she works closely with our partner veterinarians to obtain records for the cats in our care, she inputs the records and information into our internal management system, and she manages our veterinary bills and invoices. Linda also provides guidance when our foster families have medical protocol questions. We truly appreciate Linda’s dedication as a volunteer with our rescue!

Linda and her family have five resident cats—four-year-old Jasper and three-year-old Domino were in her family prior to her volunteer work with us. They also have adopted three Ten Lives Alumni—three-year-old Cheddar, 11-month-old Rolo, and 23-week-old Bongo. They also have two resident dogs: a six-year-old German Shepard named Patches, and a seven-year old Australian Shepard named Hunter.

1. How did you originally hear about us, and what made you decide to become a volunteer?

I learned about Ten Lives Cat rescue through Facebook. I was interested in fostering with a new rescue, and they were looking for fosters.

2. What is your favorite story or memory while volunteering with us?

I have so many favorite memories while volunteering with Ten Lives. One of my favorites is fostering my resident cat, Cheddar, when she was a few days old and bottle feeding her. I had never bottle fed a kitten or held a kitten so young before this. With the assistance of one of my fellow volunteers, Julie, I was able to care for Cheddar and watched her grow from a helpless neonate to a beautiful adult cat. Cheddar was my third “foster fail,” but my first with Ten Lives.

Another favorite story I have is about Bina, one of my foster cats. I was asked to foster a semi-feral cat, and found out that she was pregnant after she was in my care. I also learned that she was not a semi-feral cat—I could pet her and pick her up from the beginning. I had never fostered a pregnant cat before, but I agreed to continue to foster her through her pregnancy. When she went into labor, she allowed me to sit with her, and she even put her paw in my hand. I had the privilege of witnessing the birth of Bina’s five kittens, and of watching her take care of them until they (including Bina!) were adopted. Fostering her and her kittens was an incredible experience.

3. What have you learned during your time as a volunteer?

Besides learning how to care for neonates, sick cats, and young kittens, I’ve learned that my favorite types of cats to work with are kittens and neonates. While it is wonderful to see them grow and become confident cats, it is not all fun and games. It is a lot of work.

Being a foster mom tugs at your heartstrings, especially when they are ill or when they are adopted and you have to say goodbye. However, to see them thrive in their new homes is exciting and rewarding, and I know without my help, they may not have survived outside, and they may have been abandoned or euthanized. I love getting updates from my cats’ adopters.

4. What do you wish other people knew about us?

I would like people to know that that not all rescues are the same. Ten Lives cares not only for their cats and makes sure that they are taken care of medically, physically, and emotionally, but they care about their volunteers’ well-being, as well. I have personally seen the supplies and funds the rescue receives, and when Ten Lives says that 100% of donations are used to give the volunteers food, litter, supplies, medications, and medical visits, it’s true. Ten Lives goes above and beyond to help ALL cats, including medically fragile ones. They do not just euthanize a sick cat; they exhaust all options before making this difficult decision.

For Ten Lives volunteers, there is a support system in places that consists of the founders of the rescue and mentors. You are not just given a cat and are told “take care of it”—the support system is there to answer questions or give suggestions via the phone, email, or on our volunteer Facebook page. We also have a foster handbook that is a great resource. If needed, volunteers are always willing to help and teach new volunteers how to do something, such as how to feed a neonate by a bottle or syringe.

While the adoption process can sometimes take a little longer, it’s because Ten Lives has a team of Adoption Coordinators that review each application that comes in. Our Adoption Coordinators conduct interviews and completes extensive background checks on potential adopters. The foster family is also involved in the adoption process as they know the cat(s) best. We are transparent with adopters about whether or not a cat has medical or behavioral issues, and we provide resources for reference and to help a cat or cats acclimate to their new home. Adopters are given all the medical records for their cat(s). Ten Lives also stands by the statement “Once a Ten Lives cat, always a Ten Lives Cat.” After a cat or cats have been adopted, our Post-Adoption Coordinator will reach out to adopters to see how things are going, and our rescue is always available to answer questions.

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

When I am not volunteering with the rescue, I am part of a Christian Women’s group. We send out encouragement cards, birthday cards, and notes to people who ask for our support from around the world.

6. How do you think Ten Lives Cat Rescue will change over the next five years?

I know the rescue will grow—hopefully, we will have our own veterinarian and clinic within the next five years! I believe Ten Lives will still teaching the public about cats’ and kittens’ care and will continue to make an impact through their Community Cats program. I also think the rescue will continue to be a soft place for cats and kittens to land when they need a new home.

7. Why should others consider volunteering with us?

I tell people that volunteering with Ten Lives is different than other rescues because our rescue is not here just for the numbers of cats we care for, adopt out, or trap-neuter-return (TNR). We are here to care, love, support the cat’s needs, and to help find a forever home that is right for the cat.

As a foster, you are supported through the whole process—you are never given a cat and left to figure out what to do. There is an incredible support system within the rescue who can help answer questions, assist in making medical decisions, and offer input on whether a cat needs more time in foster care or if they are ready to be adopted. The foster always has a say during the adoption process, which is important. Volunteers are also encouraged to take on only what they can handle. If they need a break or have something going on, the rescue encourages them to take a the time they need.

Additionally, volunteers are encouraged to take online classes, such as classes on TNR, bottle feeding kittens, or socializing cats. The rescue will reimburse you on the cost of the class as needed, which is wonderful.

8. What have you gained while volunteering with us?

I have gained a lot of joy, self-confidence, and knowledge from taking care of 25+ cats/kittens over the last few years. I have also gained three cute cats!

9. How much of an impact do you feel your volunteer work has had with Ten Lives Cat Rescue?

I believe I have made an impact in the rescue by fostering, helping volunteers with questions, supporting volunteers, and helping where I can. One example of an impact I’ve made on the rescue is thanks to an online class I took where they spoke about having a TNR backpack. After speaking with Melissa (Ten Lives’ Executive Director), we decided to implement this idea to better assist our Community Cats volunteers. Two other volunteers and I donated supplies to fill TNR backpacks for the rescue—the supplies will include formula, bottles, syringes, first aid supplies, scissors, tweezers, tick removers, food, wipes, water, and thermometers. The TNR backpacks will be distributed to our volunteer trappers in the near future, and will help them to be better prepared when they come across emergencies while trapping cats and kittens.

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, and purchase needed supplies through our Wishlist!

October 17, 2022October 17, 2022Adoption

September 2022 Adoption Update

Last month, 24 cats and kittens found their forever homes! The month’s group ranged from approximately 20 weeks to 10 years old – several of these cats and kittens arrived to our rescue due to unfortunate circumstances that were no fault of their own, while others were humanely trapped as strays thanks to our community cats efforts. 11 of the kittens adopted in September were born while in our rescue and have known the comforts of indoor life and full bellies from the beginning. One of our adopted cats was humanely trapped and re-homed as a barn cat, one cat was adopted by his foster family, and six cats and kittens were a part of double adoptions. Additionally, one senior cat was humanely trapped, was provided extensive medical care, and learned to trust before finding his forever home.

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. The Forgotten Feline program and The Lazzy Fund help many of our cats during their time in our rescue, and this month, two of our Forgotten Feline graduates were adopted!

Lenny, an incredibly sweet senior boy, joined Ten Lives in June 2021 after a Good Samaritan contacted us for help. It was obvious that Lenny was struggling to survive outside and was in desperate need of veterinary care. When he arrived, Lenny was suffering from a severe upper respiratory infection and ringworm. We soon discovered that Lenny was also dealing with dental disease, a heart murmur, was positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). Thanks to The Lazzy Fund and his attentive foster, Lenny is now ringworm-free, his respiratory status is under control, and he has been seen by a cardiologist. Despite his many medical challenges, Lenny continued to maintain his sweet disposition, and blossomed while in our care. A Forgotten Feline program graduate, Lenny loves to sleep in the hidey house on the cat tower, which is right next to a window. At night, he gets especially affectionate and curious, and he’s learned to love catnip mice and wands. After a little over a year in foster care, Lenny was adopted by his forever family, who is dedicated to giving him the best life in his golden years.

John Duggan 1 was humanely trapped as part of our Community Cats efforts in July 2022. When possible, cats with adoption potential are moved into a foster home for socialization and eventual adoption. Ten Lives understands that not all cats can be socialized to humans, and we respect their unique needs. In these situations, cats are returned to their outdoor homes so they can continue to thrive; also known as trap-neuter-return (TNR). After evaluating John Duggan 1, it was determined that she is a feral cat and could not be socialized. While waiting for her vet appointment, she decided to surprise her foster family and give birth to kittens! John Duggan 1 also earned the nickname of “Houdini” – she managed to escape her trap and be “on the run” for 29 days before being humanely trapped a second time to be TNR’ed. John Duggan 1 is now living as a barn cat, where she is safe and being cared for by her forever family. John Duggan 1’s kittens have been or are in the process of being adopted by their forever families.

Congratulations to Abyss, Alexa, Angus, Barbeque, Elijah, Fathom, Gabriel, Goose, Hisoka, Jarvis, Jasper, John Duggan 1, Kirtan, Lenny, Maverick, Miss Whiskers, Nugget, Peanut, Precious, Prince William, Princess, Twinkle, Vin, and Zenimal 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.

September 25, 2022October 4, 2022Volunteer

Volunteer Spotlight: Rachel

Rachel has been volunteering with Ten Lives since 2020, and she has played a crucial role with our rescue since then! She is our Petco Coordinator, an events volunteer, and the occasional cat trapper as part of our Community Cats efforts. We truly appreciate everything Rachel does, and we are grateful she chose to volunteer with our rescue!

Rachel has one resident cat – a six-year-old male tabby named Toby.

1. How did you originally hear about us, and what made you decide to become a volunteer?

I knew Melissa (Ten Lives’ Executive Director) prior to her Ten Lives days, and loved following her journey as she created and grew the rescue. I decided to finally become a volunteer during the pandemic, when I had more time on my hands after my full-time job switched to a remote role. The hardships of the pandemic also made me realize I wanted to do more with my life and give back to a community I care about.

2. What is your favorite story or memory while volunteering with us?

Learning to trap cats for our Community Cats program has been quite the adventure!

3. What have you learned during your time as a volunteer?

That cat-people are the best!

4. What do you wish other people knew about us?

That we’re a part of Amazon Smile!

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

I keep busy with my office job (I’m a financial writer). I also make wreaths and felt goods, selling products at local craft fairs and online as RAC Felt and Flowers.

6. How do you think Ten Lives Cat Rescue will change over the next five years?

I believe Ten Lives will continue to grow its amazing base of volunteers. I hope we can expand our partnerships with local business and expand our reach into Massachusetts and other areas of New England.

7. Why should others consider volunteering with us?

You can join an amazing group of people with the same interests, and to help care for cats.

8. What have you gained while volunteering with us?

I’ve gained countless friendships since volunteering with Ten Lives, as well as organization skills and increased cat-care knowledge. I’ve also gained a wonderful feeling of purpose and fulfillment.

9. How much of an impact do you feel your volunteer work has had with Ten Lives Cat Rescue?

My volunteering with Ten Lives has helped us raise money for the rescue, gain new volunteers, and aid in the adoption of several cats.

September 11, 2022September 11, 2022Adoption

August 2022 Adoptions

Last month, 30 cats and kittens found their forever homes! The month’s group ranged from approximately 14 weeks to 12 years old – several of these cats and kittens arrived to our rescue due to unfortunate circumstances that were no fault of their own, while others were humanely trapped as strays thanks to our community cats efforts. 18 of our adopted cats this month were found or trapped as kittens in May, two older cats were humanely trapped and socialized with the help of their foster families, four cats were adopted by their foster families, and two kittens were adopted as a bonded pair.

If you follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts and have read previous posts in our blog, you may recognize Ishmael (formerly known as Ingrid). Estimated to be 10-12 years old, this sweet senior came to Ten Lives when his family moved, leaving him behind. He spent at least two years trying to survive outside living under a deck, and during that time developed serious dental disease and was in extremely rough shape. Ishmael joined our Forgotten Feline program, and thanks to the generous donors of The Lazzy Fund, Ishmael received the dental and medical care he needed. Ishmael has since graduated from our program, and now enjoys spending his days cuddled up with snuggly, warm blankets and showing off his superb biscuit making skills. With the support of his foster families in our rescue, his spirit was restored, and after eight months in foster care, he’s now living his best adopted life filled with love and spends his time with his new canine siblings!

Six of our adopted kittens found in May had similar beginnings. The “Job Lot kittens,” Havana, Jovi, and Rozelia, were found, all with eye issues, in a box in a Job Lot parking lot. A Good Samaritan, who has helped us with a few cats in the past, contacted us for help. One of our fosters, Elizabeth, agreed to take them in, and our Intake Coordinator, Kim, went to pick up the kittens with the intention to drop them off with Elizabeth that day. However, when Kim opened up the box, she describes it as “pretty much a done deal,” as the kittens were mini versions of one of her cats, Ten Lives alumnus, Javier. Elizabeth was gracious enough to let Kim foster them herself, and Elizabeth joked that she knew there would be another litter for her soon. She was right. On Mother’s Day, another litter of kittens were left in a box at Ocean State Veterinary Services, and they called us for help. Even though Elizabeth had plans for Mother’s Day, she made time to welcome the Mother’s Day kittens into her home. She named each one “Mother” in various languages – Mummy, Madre, and Mumuska. All three of the Mother’s Day kittens thrived under Elizabeth’s care, and they each found a loving forever home this month.

The Job Lot kittens spent the last few months overcoming their eye issues. Rozelia’s eyes were in the best condition of the three, and they cleared up very quickly with medication. Both of Jovi’s eyes were in bad condition, but because we caught it early, we were able to treat them with medication, as well. One of her eyes does still have scar tissue over it, but it’s not very noticeable. Havana’s eyes, however, were noticeably the worst upon arrival. Her left eye was swollen with lots of discharge covering the eye, and her right eye was also in bad shape. After several rounds of eye drops, eye ointments, oral antibiotics, and oral anti-virals, the hard determination was made to remove one of her eyes as the pressure was too high and could cause her pain later in life. Kim shares that Havana was such a trooper before and after her surgery. “Nothing slows her down, and if you didn’t know she has only very minimal vision in her remaining eye, you wouldn’t know. She has adapted better than I could have hoped and she gets around the house without any issues.” Rozelia and Jovi were adopted by their forever families in July, and Kim adopted Havana after her eye surgery this month.

Congratulations to Amaretto, Bongo, Flora, Fox, Grey Ghost, Halley, Havana, Hopper, Ima, Ishmael, Jovi, Kallen, Leonardo, Lou, Lulu, Madre, Mama Cosine, Mama Figg, Mamuska, Mummy, Orri, Peanut L, Prince Alex, Prince Peter, Quesadilla, Serenity, Shirelle, Splash, Sunnie, and Teenie Queenie for finding their forever homes!

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

August 25, 2022August 20, 2022Volunteer

Volunteer Spotlight: Ali

Did you know that Ten Lives Cat Rescue is run entirely by volunteers? We currently have over 80 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.

Ali has been volunteering with Ten Lives since May 2018—only a few months after our rescue was founded. Ali started as a foster, and over the last few years, she has become our Post Adoption Follow Up Coordinator, our Ten Lives Alumni Facebook page manager, and a mentor for our fosters and volunteers who are new to working with under socialized cats.

Ali has two resident cats, who are both Ten Lives alumni: Lily, a one-eyed domestic long hair cat who she adopted in 2018 after fostering her for less than two weeks, and Furnando, a former ringworm kitten she fostered in 2021. She is currently fostering Emma, a three-year-old under socialized cat.

1. How did you originally hear about us, and what made you decide to become a volunteer?

I originally heard of Ten Lives through my hairdresser, Rebecca (who founded the non-profit, RI Kitten Kits!) Prior to this, I honestly had no idea that fostering cats was even a thing! After seeing so many cats, especially seniors, needing help, I applied to foster around May of 2018. At the same time, I saw on Ten Lives’ Facebook page that a senior cat named Marmalade needed a foster. Seniors always have tugged at my heartstrings! Unfortunately, when our co-founder, Melissa, went to pick him up, he was very ill and passed away very soon after. Melissa then asked if I would be able to help foster another cat, Lily, from that same location. I soon fell in love with Lily, and in less than two weeks, I foster failed her.

2. What is your favorite story or memory while volunteering with us?

This is hard to narrow down! One of my favorite memories will always be the story of my first under socialized foster, Oreo, whose owner was homeless. The shelter told his owner that he was too aggressive/unadoptable and had he stayed, they likely would have euthanized him. Oreo was 14-years-old when he came to us, and was dirty and matted and had a deformed ear and horrible ear infections (one ear ultimately had to be surgically removed). Oreo was terrified, full of hisses and growls, was unable to be pet, and did not like toys. Initially, I was a little afraid of what I had gotten myself into! However, over the next six months, thanks to the close guidance and support from Ten Lives, Oreo had an amazing transformation. He blossomed into a cat who played like a kitten, loved being pet, immediately greeted you at the door, and ultimately even became a lap cat who constantly followed his adoptive family around like a puppy!

Another favorite story is when I fostered a senior cat named Merlin, whose family abandoned him and left him outside to fend for himself despite winter temperatures being right around the corner. Merlin was in rough shape and very ill – he was riddled with tumors, among other medical issues – and given a prognosis of only days by the vet. However, by a miracle (and maybe the power of love?!), he got the chance to enjoy three months of high-quality life. He even started playing with toys! Although it broke my heart when it was time to say our final goodbyes, I felt honored and grateful for having had the chance to help such a sweet and deserving boy like Merlin get off the streets and be able to experience what it’s like to be LOVED.

3. What have you learned during your time as a volunteer?

So much! Prior to joining Ten Lives, I had always heard from people who never had fostered cats that “you can’t teach an old cat new tricks,” and how skittish cats, especially older cats, “are stuck in their ways” and “can’t change.” If one does, those are labeled as a “rare exception,” which “can only be successful for people with a lot of experience.” I never questioned these assumptions until I began witnessing these amazing transformations firsthand and from other fosters in our rescue.

I have learned that the truth is with patience, consistency, and willingness to follow the step-by-step guidance the rescue provides, progress will happen. I was also shocked to learn, but can personally attest to it now, under socialized cats require significantly LESS physical space to foster and is a lot LESS of a daily time commitment compared friendly cats.

4. What do you wish other people knew about us?

I wish people understood how expensive it is for rescues to provide care. Rescues often spend more than the cost of adoption on cats. In our rescue, a fully vetted, healthy cat at requires a minimum of three vet visits for vaccines, exams, spay/neuter, blood and fecal tests, deworming treatments, and flea/tick treatments. This isn’t counting cats who are ill or injured, who can often have additional medical expenses. Ten Lives is constantly going above and beyond to provide the best care to our cats, including emergency care, specialist visits, dental surgeries, medical surgeries, etc. when necessary. At the end of the day, medical expenses often far exceed adoption fees. I wish people also understood they can make a significant difference even by just doing little things like sharing our posts or making purchases via Amazon Smile and choosing Ten Lives as the recipient charity.

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

Working (I have two jobs), self-care, such as acupuncture, being on the water, listening to audio books, and binge watching Netflix and crime shows.

6. Why should others consider volunteering with us?

Our rescue won the prestigious Best of Rhode Island award again in 2022 for a reason – Ten Lives Cat Rescue truly is the best! Ten Lives steps up to care for the cats who need the most care, and who are the most overlooked, such as the injured, sick, under-socialized, seniors, or neonatal kittens. Fostering with our rescue means you will be joining the most incredible team of human beings who will elevate you and provide with you with endless support, inspiration, and help.

7. What have you gained while volunteering with us?

I can sum it up best by saying everything I have received by volunteering with Ten Lives Cat Rescue has always far exceeded anything I have ever given. Volunteering with Ten Lives has been a life-changing, extremely rewarding experience for me and has really helped me find my passion.

8. How much of an impact do you feel your volunteer work has had with Ten Lives Cat Rescue?

I think the impact that all volunteers make is truly immeasurable. For acutely ill cats like Ingrid/Ishmael (a senior cat who was recently adopted by one of our volunteers), the impact of volunteering can quite literally be life-saving. Knowing that the bonds between the cats we save and their adopters can also be life-changing for adopters as well as equally as rewarding.