Our First Adoption, and Beyond
In 2011, ten-year-old Lily was brought to the shelter after her caretaker was no longer able to care for her. She had clearly been neglected before then, as she was extremely underweight and her coat was in terrible shape. She was adopted just two weeks later — Cat Town’s first adoption.
In 2011, 10-year-old Lily was brought to the shelter after her caretaker could no longer care for her. She was in rough shape, with a scraggly coat and extremely underweight. She was one of the first cats we took a chance on helping at a time when the common belief was that no one would want a cat like her, and she got adopted just two weeks later — Cat Town’s first adoption.
Shortly after adopting her as a companion for her other cat, Lily's adopter had second thoughts when it wasn't immediately apparent that the two were going to hit it off. We gave her considerable support through this time, understanding that introducing a new cat into the household is often far more stressful at first than many people expect.
Soon the three were like peas in a pod, and Lily’s adopter told us, "I cannot tell you how grateful I am to you for your early and continued encouragement with Lily. I was rather frightened of her when she first came, not realizing she probably felt the same way. I remember being concerned because she would not wash, and I laughed about that last night when I was brushing her spotless, thick coat. I would not trade her for another cat in a million years."
Lily was the first of more than 3,000 cats who have found homes thanks to Cat Town’s community of volunteers, staff, and supporters. Here’s what we’ve done together since the idea of Cat Town took shape:
3,134 cats who once had no way out of their shelter cages have been helped
Approximately 915 sick and/or injured cats received medical care, including 133 cats who had their medical expenses covered for life
Approximately 821 stressed or overlooked cats could let their guard down
Approximately 750 Forgotten Kittens learned to trust people
Approximately 334 senior cats found care and comfort
755 cats in bonded pairs have stayed with their best friends
463 cats received dedicated post-adoption support since our Case Manager program launched five years ago
461 black cats stole someone’s heart
99 cats with FIV and 22 cats with FeLV found homes, in spite of the stigma surrounding these health conditions
Each of these numbers is a life, just like Lily’s — but it's also more. It’s a smile on an adopter’s face. It’s a volunteer encouraging a sick cat to eat. It’s litter boxes scooped daily and countless piles of mystery goop cleaned to keep everyone we love safe and healthy. It’s celebrating the moment a cat first tries to trust us, even though they clearly still feel uncertain about it. It’s last-minute schedule changes to find a lost cat, or take someone to the vet. It’s work, and it’s never-ending, but it’s also joy with no limit.
We’re incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made for cats in this community. Thank you for making it all possible.
Who Did You Save This Year (Part 1)
Every year we have more heartwarming stories than we can possibly share in real time — and some of them stick with us for months. That’s why our staff rounds up some of our favorite untold stories at the end of the year to share with you. Here’s the first batch of cats that you probably don’t know about, but whom you helped save this year.
Every year we have more heartwarming stories than we can possibly share in real time — and some of them stick with us for months. That’s why our staff rounds up some of our favorite untold stories at the end of the year to share with you. Here’s the first batch of cats that you probably don’t know about — but whom you helped save this year.
“A lot of extra love went into helping this pair — and their adopter is being so patient with them while they hide under the bed. I am so grateful that we were able to give them plenty of time to find the right home. ”
Thistle. Photo by Erica Danger.
DAWN’S Pick
Thistle and Yucca
After being trapped at an East Bay Regional Park, Thistle and Yucca were both fearful. Yucca came out of his shell first, and quickly proved to be an affectionate and playful cat even in his shelter cage. Thistle, on the other hand, was terrified and incredibly fractious for a long time (hence her prickly name). She hissed, growled, and swiped at anything that got close to her. I worked with her for weeks — starting out so slowly, at first just trying to get her to eat treats off an extendable back scratcher and keeping a safe distance between her and my hand. Once she did, my next move was to see if I could “pet” her cheek with the back scratcher. It was a no-go for a long time, but one day, after she ate some wet food, she leaned into the back scratcher instead of batting it away. We were finally getting somewhere.
Yucca. Photo by Erica Danger.
After a few weeks, Thistle started to let me pet her with my hands, but only AFTER she finished her food. Once I figured out her “formula”, I repeated it every time I saw her. I built up enough trust with her that I could not only pet her, but she would lean in, purr, and really enjoy the attention. Thistle and Yucca were ready for the next step in their journey. We moved them to one of our Studios at our Adoption Center, and I continued to work with her. I also shared my techniques with our stellar volunteers so that they, too, could continue to help Thistle build trust.
As Thistle became less guarded and more friendly with humans, her relationship with Yucca also blossomed. They started acting more like the bonded pair we had been told they were. They slept together, played together, and groomed each other. After 5 months at Cat Town, and coming so, so far, Thistle and Yucca were adopted. Yucca had charmed many suitors who weren’t able to connect with Thistle, but we knew the pair should stay together. When Thistle and Yucca’s adopters met them, they were just as enamored with her as with him. We’ve received photos and updates that both cats are doing amazingly well, and Thistle’s confidence is through the roof.
Thistle learned to trust people from her outgoing and confident friend, Yucca, and from the support of staff and volunteers who worked with her regularly to make her feel safe. Photo by Erica Danger.
QUINN’S Pick
Julianne and derek
These cats had a rocky road to adoption, but their outcome was so sweet! Julianne and Derek are incredibly shy — and after their guardian passed away, they hid behind their litter box in fear at the city shelter. One shelter volunteer tried to pet them and wrote in their notes, “I got a hiss and ears so flat I didn’t have the guts. No interest in wet food.” No other rescues were taking these scared little cats, so they were at the shelter for weeks until we found space for them. They stayed with one of our superstar fosters, got adopted by someone who ended up deciding they weren’t the right person for them, and then went to another fantastic foster for the final leg of their journey. Each time they had to move, it took time for them to feel safe and be comfortable being handled. At one point, Derek even squeezed out a window, but our staff did a late night stakeout and safely recovered him within 24 hours.
Once the pair really settled in, we learned that Julianne was secretly a lap cat, and Derek LOVED to play. We recently sent over a volunteer photographer to see if fresh photos might help these two catch someone’s eye — and just days later, even before their new photos went up, they got adopted. That volunteer must be good luck!! A lot of extra love went into helping this pair — and their adopter is being so patient with them while they hide under the bed. I am so grateful that we were able to give them plenty of time to find the right home.
Julianne was gentle and shy, but learned the joys of cuddling (and somersaulting after toys) thanks to her foster. Photo by Nicole Dial.
Derek showcased a squeaky little meow to announce that he was ready for playtime or looking for his friend, Julianne. Photo by Nicole Dial.
GRACE’s Pick
ORPHEY
Orphey arrived at the shelter as a stray senior with flea allergy dermatitis and dental disease. However, the Good Samaritan who brought her in noted that she was calm and relaxed the entire time — and in her shelter cage, all she seemed to want was love, purring when staff and volunteers reached in to stroke her and making biscuits on her bed. We brought Orphey to a foster home where we could continue to monitor her health and finish up her dental procedures. She adjusted quickly to her new foster family, including a cat-savvy six year old who said, “She’s sweet and cheerful. She loves the sun and doesn’t care about meeting new people. All she wants is pets from everyone.”
Despite everything life threw at her, nothing seemed to phase Orphey, and her easy going demeanor eventually helped her win over her adopters! Orphey has always moved at her own pace, remaining unbothered by changes in the wind, and I’m so happy that she found a loving home to care for her as she enters her golden years.
Ten-year-old Orphey’s foster family helped her get her itchy skin under control while she healed from dental surgery. This senior cat was grateful for her attentive caretakers.
CAROL’S PICK
PERSEUS
FIV-positive Perseus was injured and stressed in his shelter cage, but transformed quickly with support from Cat Town’s volunteers and staff. Photo by the Cat Man of West Oakland.
When I first visited his Studio, Perseus was buried deeply in a black igloo bed, still recovering from an infected neck wound. Being black himself, it was very hard to see who he was, but after a few choruses of “Getting to Know You,” I peered in and saw a big, handsome cat. Over a couple of visits, sitting on the floor next to the igloo, he cautiously poked his head out. Breakthrough! But I knew I had to continue slowly, and keep the songs and conversation going.
Perseus enjoyed our conversations about his namesake warrior hero — adventures of slaying Medusa and rescuing the fair Andromeda — and soon would come greet me when I entered his Studio. He sat on my lap while I massaged his feet. He loved to be petted and brushed, purring the whole time, and soon became a loving, interactive cuddle bunny. He eventually let me pick him up, and we’d talk about how soon he would go on another adventure into the big world and find a new home, becoming someone’s brave protector. We continued our conversations looking to the future, and one day an experienced adopter came along, and fell in love. It was with happiness and sadness that I saw him go home. Hooked on my handsome little mythological warrior, I look forward to meeting more cat-shaped Greek heroes.
Thank you for making it possible for us to help these cats!
October 2021 Adoptions
Last month our adoptions spanned every type of cat we support! We found homes for seniors and scared older kittens. Cats who were frustrated, and cats who were afraid. Cats who were sick, and confident cats whose model behavior helped encourage the others to let their guard down.
We worked closely with shelter partners to identify the cats who needed the most help, supported those cats on their journeys with us, and found them homes — keeping in touch with adopters after the fact to ensure they had the guidance they needed to succeed with their new cat companions. We work our hardest every step of the way to give these cats a better future, and give every adopter a new friend who’ll be at their side for all their lives. We can do it because of people like you — so thank you for helping these cats and their people fall in love…
Last month our adoptions spanned every type of cat we support! We found homes for seniors and scared older kittens. Cats who were sick. Cats who were frustrated, and cats who were afraid. Confident cats whose model behavior helped encourage the others to let their guard down. We even had five cats who’d been waiting to get adopted so long that we were asking for Hero Adopters to find their perfect people.
We work closely with shelter partners to identify the cats who need our help the most, support those cats on their journeys with us, find them homes, and follow up with adopters to ensure they have the guidance they need to succeed with their new cat companions. We work our hardest every step of the way to give these cats a better future, and give every adopter a new friend who’ll be at their side for all their lives. We can do it because of people like you — so thank you for helping these cats and their people fall in love.
Ozzy was returned to another rescue for biting during play after just a couple weeks in his first home, so he had to go into Bite Quarantine at the shelter — but we noted that he was social, affectionate, and liked other cats. At Cat Town, he soon got adopted to a cat-savvy household with another cat to be his friend!
Murdock was brought to the shelter as a stray, and was becoming stressed by his cage. As a cat with no eyes, can you blame him for not understanding what was going on? Fortunately we got him into a great foster home, and not long after, he got adopted by someone living alone, looking for a cat companion.
As Forgotten Kittens who were found living on the street before coming to the city shelter, Hamburglar and Ronald McDonald were nervous around humans. The pair learned to trust with help from their fosters and later with volunteer support at the Adoption Center. They’re continuing that progress with their patient and doting adopter, who says, “the boys are clearly pretty happy sharing the space with each other, and they’ve both accepted pets from me multiple times!”
After being surrendered to the Hayward shelter, Winslet was housed in a condo — where she was initially sweet and social, but would swat when visitors tried to leave the room. We brought her to our Adoption Center where she slowly let her guard down, and would even sit in laps. Now she’s got a great adopter who is working to help her feel secure with transitions.
Thirteen-year-old Ella arrived at the Oakland shelter with itchy ears that needed looking after. We got her into foster care with someone who’s fostered seniors for us before, and would be comfortable medicating her ears. They quickly told us, “she’s just the most loving cat and wants to spend most of the day in my lap,” and decided to make Ella a permanent part of the family!
Gesso (above, orange) and Wentworth (above, gray) arrived as strangers but departed as friends! Wentworth was cuddly, energetic, and looking for a home with a playful cat buddy — but the shelter he’d been brought to had no room for him. Gesso arrived at a different shelter with her brothers, and followed them to Cat Town to build her confidence — but quickly showed she loved other cats and playtime, too. When the two met, they got along, and got adopted together! They’re still learning about each other, and their adopter is helping them navigate their new friendship.
All of our October Adoptions
Did you adopt from Cat Town? Tell us how your cat is doing! We always love to hear updates from our alumni.
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September 2021 Adoptions
As we head into the last months of the year, we’re delighted by the number of Cat Town cats who have already found homes in 2021 — including 31 in September!
Last month 7 bonded pairs got adopted, including senior cats Travis and Oakley. Many of those bonded pairs also came to us as hissy Forgotten Kittens — like Aubrey and Margot, and Donatello and Leonardo — who learned from our volunteers that humans like to pet kittens, and pets are a very good thing! Some of our September adoptions needed medical support, like Gustav and Jaya, before they could be made ready to adopt…
As we head into the last months of the year, we’re delighted by the number of Cat Town cats who have already found homes in 2021 — including 31 in September!
Last month 7 bonded pairs got adopted, including senior cats Travis and Oakley. Many of those bonded pairs also came to us as hissy Forgotten Kittens — like Aubrey and Margot, and Donatello and Leonardo — who learned from our volunteers that humans like to pet kittens, and pets are a very good thing! Some of our September adoptions needed medical support, like Gustav and Jaya, before they could be made ready to adopt, while others, like Lorde, found homes in just a few days. We also assigned a volunteer case manager to about one third of our adopted cats so that their adopters would have access to expert advice on helping their extra shy cats adapt to their new homes.
Shy Hazel and Dali had come to the shelter from a home overcrowded with animals, along with a few other cats. These two clearly had a strong bond, and in their new home, they’re getting lots of patient affection while they take their time settling in and building trust.
A Good Samaritan noticed that Gustav was living in a colony, but friendly enough to make a great house cat — so they got him neutered and took care of his nasty respiratory infection. We got him out of the shelter and into a foster home, where he continued his recovery, learned about living the good life, and quickly got adopted!
Aubrey came to Cat Town with her sister, Margot, and the two were hissy as could be. Our volunteers worked with the girls consistently until they purred when touched, and easily got adopted by a patient person who is excited to help the duo continue their progress.
As part of our commitment to help the cats from Maine Coon Adoptions, we took in 14 year old Katarina, who had a laundry list of medical needs — heart disease, chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, and epilepsy. Her doting fosters developed a lovely routine with her, and developed feelings, too. We made Katarina part of our In It for Life program, and that made it possible for them to adopt her — the best outcome we could have possibly asked for!
Former Forgotten Kitten Grimace was trapped while living outside and built up a lot of trust thanks to his foster at Oakland Animal Services. Now going by the name Thorin, he spends his days playing with his new brother Sam, another Cat Town alum. Having a confident friend at home has helped his confidence continue to grow!
No matter the situation, one thing is clear: the cats who found homes with us this month got the support they needed, whether it was encouragement, medicine, time, or just a stress-free space to let their guard down. We’re so grateful for the support we receive from our community to make saving these lives possible. Thank you for keeping us on track to save as many cats as we possibly can.
All of our September Adoptions
Did you adopt from Cat Town? Tell us how your cat is doing! We always love to hear updates from our alumni.
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August 2021 Adoptions
With summer coming to a close, we’re rounding out the season with 25 adoptions in August! Many of these cats came to us shy and scared. Some were shut-down at the shelter and needed room to decompress. Others needed help building up their confidence and coming out of their shells. At Cat Town, we know patience goes a long way, and we’re willing to give these cats the time and care they need to get ready for their people…
With summer coming to a close, we’re rounding out the season with 25 adoptions in August! Many of these cats came to us shy and scared. Some were shut-down at the shelter and needed room to decompress. Others needed help building up their confidence and coming out of their shells. At Cat Town, we know patience goes a long way, and we’re willing to give these cats the time and care they need to get ready for their people.
This month, we’re highlighting some of our favorite transformation stories. Thank you for helping us take these cats from fearful to forever friends. Your support gets more cats out of cages and into safe spaces where their wonderful personalities can shine!
Found in an auto body shop with her 9 kittens, Cisaloo was shy and fearful at her foster home with Feral Change. She wasn’t playing and hid from her caretakers. She came to Cat Town to build up her confidence with the help of some cat buddies, and it worked! Cisaloo found friends and — most importantly — found her person, who is ready to shower her with love!
Cedar and Oak came to the shelter from a household of 10 cats. Shut-down in their cages, they needed some space to decompress, and after getting in a foster home, their sweet selves began to emerge, spending their days snuggled up to each other. Cedar and Oak aren’t moving until September, but we’re so excited to see them going to a good home!
Marietta arrived at the shelter with another cat. However, she began acting aggressively towards him, so she was moved to her own cage. Still feeling very stressed by her environment, she came to Cat Town to find a foster home — and what a difference it made! Marietta charmed her adopter with her lively personality, and the first-time cat owner is excited to have such a happy and playful kitty to bond with.
At the shelter, Annie seemed to want affection, but was too scared to enjoy it. After getting her out of a cage and into our Adoption Center, Annie still felt shy, hiding in cubbies and corners, but we began to see progress as she accepted gentle pets and head scratches. She was only with us for three weeks before her adopter saw the sweet girl beneath the timid exterior and scooped her up. She continues to blossom in her new home with love and patience.
Bamboo came to us from Oakland Animal Services back in April. At the shelter, Bamboo was receptive to some touch, but would hiss and swat when overwhelmed. However, once we got her out of her shelter cage, we began to see her sweet nature come through. Bamboo went from lashing out under stress to playing with other cats at our Adoption Center. Luckily, her new home comes with a cat buddy, and she is doing great acclimating to the space and warming up to her new friend.
All of our JUly Adoptions
Did you adopt from Cat Town? Tell us how your cat is doing! We always love to hear updates from our alumni.
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