Nine Lives proudly provides lifelines for at-risk cats and kittens and affordable, compassionate care for our feline friends and the people who love them. Let’s save lives together!
Our Mission
About Us
Nine Lives is one of Northern California's leading feline welfare organizations, dedicated exclusively to saving cats and kittens through rescue, adoption, affordable veterinary care, and community support.
Founded on the belief that every cat deserves a chance, Nine Lives provides a comprehensive continuum of care that addresses both individual animal welfare and the broader issue of pet overpopulation. Our programs include cat and kitten rescue, foster care, adoption services, high-volume, high-quality spay and neuter, trap-neuter-return (TNR) for community cats, low-cost vaccine clinics, shelter medicine, and advanced medical and specialty surgical care for vulnerable felines.
Operating from our state-of-the-art Furever Home in Redwood City, Nine Lives combines Fear Free® sheltering practices with innovative medical programs to give every cat the best opportunity to thrive. As one of the region's premier feline medical organizations, we partner with municipal shelters, rescue groups, and caregivers across California to provide lifesaving services that extend far beyond our own walls.
Each year, Nine Lives rescues more than 1,200 cats and kittens, performs thousands of affordable spay and neuter surgeries, administers tens of thousands of vaccines, and helps countless families access compassionate, high-quality veterinary care. Through education, prevention, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to lifesaving, Nine Lives is creating a future where fewer cats enter shelters, more animals receive the medical care they need, and every cat has the opportunity to find a loving home.
At Nine Lives, we believe every life matters—and together with our supporters, volunteers, fosters, and community partners, we're building a brighter future for cats across Northern California.
Services We Offer
Adoptions, Fostering Program, Spay/Neuter Services, Medical Care, Training/Behavior, Animal Rescue/Transport, Public Education, Volunteer Program
Adoption Process
At Nine Lives, we believe that great homes come in many forms. That's why we practice barrier-free adoptions—an adoption philosophy that focuses on creating successful matches through conversation, education, and support, rather than unnecessary restrictions.
When you visit, you'll be greeted by one of our friendly Adoption Counselors or Matchmakers, who will take the time to learn about your home, lifestyle, and what you're looking for in a feline companion. They'll answer your questions, introduce you to cats that may be a great fit, and help you make an informed decision.
Once you've found your perfect match, you'll have the opportunity to spend time together in one of our meet-and-greet rooms before completing the adoption paperwork. Our team will review your new cat's medical history, discuss their personality and care needs, and provide guidance to help ensure a smooth transition into your home.
Because there are so many wonderful families waiting to adopt, Nine Lives does not place cats on hold for individual adopters. All adoptions are completed on a first-come, first-served basis. If you've found the right cat for you, we encourage you to complete the adoption during your visit.
Our goal is simple: to help every cat find a loving, lifelong home while making the adoption experience welcoming, positive, and enjoyable for everyone.
How to Meet Our Pets
Finding your new best friend couldn't be easier! Nine Lives welcomes walk-in visitors during our adoption hours—no appointment is necessary.
Simply stop by our adoption center to meet our wonderful cats and kittens. Whether you're looking for a playful kitten, a laid-back lap cat, a bonded pair, or a special-needs feline, our adoption counselors will help you find the perfect companion for your home and lifestyle.
If you don't find "the one" on the adoption floor, be sure to ask a member of our team. We often have additional adoptable cats and kittens staying in other areas of the shelter while they await space in our adoption rooms.
Once you've found a cat you'd like to get to know better, we'll arrange a private meet-and-greet so you can spend time together before completing the adoption process.
Adoption Hours
Wednesday–Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed Monday and Tuesday
Location
749 Brewster Avenue
Redwood City, CA 94063
We can't wait to help you meet your newest family member!
Special Programs & Areas Served
Special Programs: Nine Lives offers a range of innovative programs designed to maximize lifesaving impact while addressing the unique needs of cats and the communities that care for them.
High-Volume, High-Quality Spay & Neuter (HQHVSN): One of the largest feline-only programs in Northern California, providing affordable services for owned pets, rescue organizations, and community cats to reduce pet overpopulation.
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR): Comprehensive TNR services for free-roaming community cats, including spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, ear tipping, and caregiver support to humanely stabilize cat populations.
Shelter Medicine Program: Advanced medical care for rescued cats and kittens, including treatment for infectious diseases, neonatal kitten care, trauma cases, orthopedic injuries, intensive care, and behavioral rehabilitation.
Specialty Surgery Program: Providing lifesaving procedures that many shelters cannot offer, including amputations, enucleations (eye removal), wound reconstruction, mass removals, soft tissue surgery, and other complex medical interventions that give cats a second chance.
Fear Free® Sheltering: Purpose-built housing and enrichment designed to minimize stress, improve recovery, and support positive behavioral outcomes while cats await adoption.
Foster Care Network: A dedicated community of foster volunteers caring for neonatal kittens, medical recovery cases, hospice cats, and animals requiring behavioral or socialization support.
Affordable Vaccine & Preventive Care Clinics: Accessible community clinics providing vaccinations, microchipping, parasite prevention, wellness services, and preventive healthcare to help families keep their pets healthy and in their homes.
Rescue Partner Network: Collaborating with municipal shelters, animal control agencies, and rescue organizations throughout California to transfer at-risk cats into Nine Lives' care, increasing lifesaving capacity across the region.
Community Education & Outreach: Educational programs promoting responsible pet ownership, humane care for community cats, disease prevention, and the importance of early spay/neuter to create lasting change throughout the community.
Together, these programs form an integrated model of feline welfare that addresses every stage of a cat's journey—from prevention and medical intervention to rehabilitation, adoption, and lifelong family support.
Areas Served: Northern California and beyond!
Our Facility
Recently Adopted