The Ninth Life Foundation officially opened a rescue cattery at Erina on February 17.
The charity, whose ambassador is comedian Kitty Flanagan, was started by Jules Dos Santos in 2021 with the help of Sydney veterinarian Dr Yvonne Van Der Veek and animal rescue veteran John Holland.
Its purpose is to care for, and eventually rehome, senior or high-care cats that have been displaced by changing circumstances.
Typically, their former owner might have died or moved to a nursing home, or their family is going through a break-up.
Many have simply been abandoned due to their high needs.
“As cats get older, their veterinary costs start to increase, and this puts additional pressure on their owners,” Dos Santos said.
“Despite this challenging environment, in the past two years, we have successfully rehomed more than 100 cats.”
The charity originally leased cattery space at two commercial catteries but always planned to have a dedicated facility.
Last year the dream was given a fantastic boost when the foundation was awarded a grant by the NSW Government.
Donors stepped in with additional support and the facility is now a reality – with the appropriate name of Ninth Life House.
The ribbon was cut by Dos Santos’ daughter Skyler.
Inquiries about adoptions and donations, either individual or corporate, can be made at www.ninthlifefoundation.org