What sets us apart:

🏡 1. A Foster-First Philosophy

  • The Benefit: Kittens like Bumble and Whiskers are raised in real homes with dogs, other cats, and vacuum cleaners.

  • The Result: We know their true personalities (who is a lap cat vs. who is a high-energy hunter) before they ever reach your door, ensuring a more successful long-term match.

What truly sets Nine Lives Rescue apart in the New Mexico animal welfare landscape is our "all-in" approach to feline advocacy. While many organizations focus solely on traditional adoption, we operate on the belief that every cat deserves a safe future—whether that is on a cozy sofa or living safely outdoors.

🐈‍⬛ 2. Comprehensive TNR Advocacy

New Mexico has a large population of community cats. While many shelters may not have the resources to handle unsocialized felines, we are staunch advocates for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR).

  • We don't just "clear the streets"—we help stabilize populations, prevent suffering, and ensure that feral cats can live out their lives healthy and ear-tipped, without adding to the kitten crisis.

🩺 3. Medical Integrity & Preparation

We set a high bar for "adoption-ready." Every cat that leaves our care is:

  • Fully Vetted: Not just a quick check-up, but age-appropriate vaccinations, FeLV/FIV testing, and parasite treatment.

  • Pre-Fixed: We believe in breaking the cycle of overpopulation, which is why we ensure every kitten is spayed or neutered before they go to their forever home.

🤝 4. Community-Centric & All-Volunteer

Because we have no paid staff and no central building, every single dollar donated goes directly to cat food, litter, and life-saving medical procedures. When you talk to us, you’re talking to a volunteer who is doing this for the pure love of the cats

Adoption Process

  • Browse Adoptables

    Browse through our online tab of adoptable animals to find one (or multiple) that grab your attention.

  • cat in front of computer

    Fill Out an Application

    You will only need to fill out one application. Just be sure to note all cats you are interested in meeting.

  • meeting of cat

    Meet and Greet

    The foster will contact you to set up the meet and greet. Adoptions may happen same day if your application is approved.

  • cat home

    Adoption Day!

    Once the adoption is final and the adoption donation has been paid, you will be able to take home your new best friend!

  • "Their commitment to the animals is remarkable. Their adoption specialists really know what they are doing. They helped us choose the perfect kitten for our home just by asking a few questions."

    - Smith Family

  • "The NLR Team exceeded our expectation when we adopted our sweet kitten. They worked around our schedule and made sure we were prepared."

    - Kayla Jensen

  • "The amount of time Diana spent answering our questions and making us feel confident in our adoption, was above and beyond. Even after the adoption was final, she continued to answer questions."

    — Max Harris