9 LIVES

9 Lives Cat Rescue was founded by a group of 6 ordinary people in April 1996. We took in, cared for, and found homes for stray and unwanted cats and kittens. As time went by it became apparent that not all strays and unwanted pets were young and healthy. Some were elderly, disabled or had chronic medical problems, but these cats were still enjoying life. However, when it came to choosing a new pet, most people wanted a young, healthy cat or kitten and these disadvantaged cats were always at the end of the queue. Rather than resort to euthanasia for these special needs cats, 9 Lives decided to specialise in providing lifelong care for them. We set out to recruit volunteers to care for these cats in their own homes for life. These cats are the 9 Lives cats. We also recruit volunteers to care for the cats temporarily, until a permanent home is found.

PAWS FOR LIFE

Paws for Life was founded in July 2007, again by a small group of ordinary people, some of whom were also working for 9 Lives. Paws for Life takes in all kinds of cats, young and old, and finds permanent homes for them. Paws for Life gives priority to special needs cats and works side by side with 9 Lives to save the lives of cats who are in danger of being unnecessarily and prematurely killed because of their age and health status. Many are homeless strays, and some are in our care because their owners can no longer keep them. Paws for Life needs volunteer temporary carers and permanent homes.

OUR POLICY ON EUTHANASIA

We believe that every cat has a right to life, therefore no cat is ever put to sleep while able to enjoy quality of life with or without the help of medication. Euthanasia is employed only to save suffering if this becomes necessary when quality of life has gone and there is no hope of improvement.