9 Lives Cat Rescue Calls it a Day

‘Saving one animal won’t change the world, but surely, the world will change for that one animal’

Oxford’s premier no-kill feline haven, 9 Lives Cat Rescue, is closing its doors at the end of November after almost a decade of dedicated and compassionate service to the cats, feral or otherwise, of the L-O-U community.

Since 2006, 9 Lives has operated largely on revenues from adoption fees and donations from residents of Oxford, Ole Miss and the surrounding community. That successful operation now comes full circle.

Kittens hugging in anticipation of change. Photo courtesy 9 Lives Cat Rescue Facebook

From its humble beginning in the basement of founder Julie Holeman’s home, to the existing luxurious cathouse at its current location, 9 Lives has found itself at a crossroad and must close shop.

Nine Lives director, Natasha Techen, announced recently that due to personal changes in her life, she is, reluctantly, stepping down. Her only concern; to find loving and caring homes for the remaining cats at the facility.

“When a cat or kitten is brought into our program, we make a lifetime commitment to its care,” Techen said. “Because my personal situation has shifted doesn’t alter that fact at all. I think that I can safely speak for all of the amazing 9 Lives volunteers that we will never abandon that commitment.”

With that in mind, Techen and her staff stress that now, more than ever, they need loving and caring adoptive “parents” who are considering responsible cat ownership to step up and have a look.

The holidays have proven to be a popular time for welcoming new pets into a family. However, 9 Lives stresses that careful consideration should be given to the person or family receiving the “gift” – namely; does he or she actually want a new pet and do they possess the nurturing personality it takes to properly care for the pet.

Sinea and Ouvok are in need of a home. Photo courtesy 9 Lives Cat Rescue Facebook.

Nine Lives is eager to place each of its remaining cats but still stresses the importance of responsible pet ownership and will continue its thorough screenings of potential pet owners. According to Techen, that is simply an area where 9 Lives will not relax its method of operation. The cats are simply much too important.

Techen leaves us with this, the motto that has grounded her, focused her and one that she and her staff have honored for years in the L-O-U community; “Saving one animal won’t change the world, but surely, the world will change for that one animal.”

For more information about the organization or to obtain adoption information concerning a cat or kitten, contact 9 Lives through its Facebook page or at nine_lives_cat_rescue@hotmail.com.

Jeff McVay is a staff writer and graphic designer for Hottytoddy.com. He can be reached at jeff.mcvay@hottytoddy.com.

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