Tenth Life

When we first met Bill Bixby this summer, he'd been adopted from and then returned to a large open-admission shelter. They'd been told that he was easily overstimulated and difficult to handle. However, shelter volunteers who worked with him realized that he was nothing but a sweet, charming guy who had perhaps just been misunderstood. A volunteer who is well-versed in cat behavior and care, and also happens to foster cats at Tenth Life, reached out to see if we could take him over and work with him.

We prioritize cats with special needs, including behavioral needs, here at Tenth Life and we're grateful that we had the resources to take in a cat who may have needed behavior help! Once Bill arrived at his Tenth Life foster home though, he made himself cozy and has proven to be a very affectionate and easy-going boy. Bill is very outgoing, having never met a stranger. He mingles with the resident cats in his foster home and greets his foster parents at the door after a long day, eager to spend time in their laps!

Now, Bill is looking for a home to call his very own. So if you're looking for a nice little fancy tuxedo cat to join your family, apply to adopt Bill Bixby today!

www.tenthlifecats.org/adopt

A picturesque moment with the lovely, fluffy Captain Jack 🧡

Meet Altair, an incredibly sweet, shoulder-loving kitten who has had a tough go of it lately.

At 4.5 months old, Altair is currently one of our adoption lounge residents, where he’s been having the best time romping around with other kittens and patiently waiting for his forever family to come along and adopt him. He’s finished up his routine kitten vetting and has been a healthy little guy. One afternoon last week, however, we noticed that Altair was bouncing from litter box to litter box, squatting and straining, but very little urine was coming out. Upon further inspection, we realized the urine that he was passing was tinged with blood. We quickly got him to the vet where he was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection and given medication. Thankfully, he is now on the mend and feeling better.

Your support this $5 Friday ensures that cats with illnesses like Altair, as well as those with long term special needs, get the care that they need and deserve. So what do you say? Will you make a gift of $5 or more today in honor of Altair? Every gift received provides essential veterinary care, medications, prescription foods, and comfort for cats in need.

Thank you for your kindness and for being a part of the Tenth Life family!

www.tenthlifecats.org/donate

It's ! Please enjoy this poem about the sweetest 10-year-old calico gal we know - Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Calico fur glows,
Pumpkin Spice Latte dreams soft
Decade of delight.

Her cuddles are the perfect little treat. Apply to adopt her today and find out!

www.tenthlifecats.org/adopt

We are so happy to report that sweet Skylark, who we shared with you on Friday after he'd been admitted to the emergency clinic for a blood transfusion and supportive care, was able to come home yesterday! He's back with his amazing foster family who will continue to keep a very close eye on him. He's doing well recovering so far. Thanks to our generous supporters like you, Skylark's emergency vet bill is over halfway covered and we're so grateful. Thank you for giving cats like him the lives they deserve!

Today is $5 Friday and Skylark needs your support!

Skylark is a 9-week-old kitten whose journey has been anything but ordinary. Found abandoned in a trash bag with his five siblings at just a few days old, Skylark has been fighting to thrive since day one. From the very start, he's faced challenges. He's been a very finicky eater, has dealt with diarrhea, and has struggled to keep up with his siblings in the weight department.

Despite the hurdles, Skylark's amazing foster mom and his dedicated veterinary team have been there every step of the way, showering him with love and providing him with supportive care. He's best described as a sweet little guy who purrs every time he's picked up. Until Wednesday afternoon, we truly thought Skylark was turning a corner.

When Skylark's foster mom found him struggling with labored breathing, we rushed him to a local emergency clinic. The situation was critical as he was dangerously anemic, and his liver values were elevated. Skylark was immediately placed on oxygen. Wednesday night he received a blood transfusion. His emergency veterinary team is working tirelessly to uncover the cause of his symptoms and provide the very best care possible.

Today, we’re turning to you, our incredible community, for support. Skylark needs all the help he can get to pull through this. His emergency bill so far has been $1600 and was an expense we were not anticipating this month. Can you help? Your generosity and kindness will make a big difference for this little fighter.

www.tenthlifecats.org/donate

While we can’t predict all that his future holds, we have all of the hope in the world that he’ll overcome this challenge and continue his journey to becoming a happy, healthy cat.

P.S. We’d love to share some positive vibes for Skylark in the comments! Please send him some words of encouragement or a happy thought and we’ll be sure to read each and every one to him. Thank you for being a beacon of hope for Skylark.

#$5Friday

See how Bald Eagle and Mallard are looking for a forever home together and have BOGO adoption fees? Very cutesy, very demure, very mindful. ✨

www.tenthlifecats.org/adopt

It’s and the Planet Kittens inspired us to share some tips about a sneaky little fungus that can crash any kitten party: ringworm!

Saturn, Pluto, and Neptune were brought to Tenth Life after they were found living under a deck. We noticed immediately that they had dry, irritated skin on their tails, and had lost some fur. When they paid a visit to their vet, they were diagnosed with ringworm.

What even is ringworm?

Despite its name, ringworm isn’t actually a worm at all. Its’ a fungal infection that affects the skin, hair, and nails. In cats, it often appears as circular patches of hair loss, sometimes with a scaly or red ring around them.

How can you spot it?

Cats (along with other furry friends) with ringworm might have spots, maybe round, where their fur seems to be thinning or missing. They may also have dry, flaky, crusty, patches of skin. They might be itchy and scratch or bite at affected areas.

How can you treat ringworm?

Keep things clean. Regularly clean your pet’s bedding, toys, and any areas they frequent. Fungal spores can linger on surfaces, so a good cleaning routine helps reduce the risk of spreading.

Visit the vet. If you suspect that your pet has ringworm, a trip to the vet is essential. They can confirm the diagnoses and recommend the best treatment, which might include topical anti fungal creams, medicated shampoos, or oral medications.

If you have multiple pets, it’s a good idea to keep any infected pets separated to prevent the fungus from spreading. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling them and avoid sharing any grooming tools or bedding. Because you could also pick up the fungus, consider wearing gloves when handling any infected pet!

Don’t panic! Ringworm is treatable with the right care and medication. With a little vigilance and some vet-approved treatment, infected pets, just like our cute little Planet Kittens, will be back to normal in no time!

Happy National Black Cat Day from adoptable Pringles! 🐈‍⬛ Show off you black kitties in the comments! Whats their name and what’s your favorite thing about them? Go!

Today is $5 Friday and we have an incredible—and heart-wrenching—story for you.

Meet Sarah Connor, a fiercely devoted mama cat, and her adorable kitten, John. Found in rural Missouri, this dynamic duo was discovered fending for themselves in a dangerous situation and seeking shelter in an abandoned barn.

Sarah, named for her warrior spirit, has clearly been through a lot. Her finder suspects that she fought off another animal to protect her kittens. Can you say BRAVE? It breaks our hearts to share that her three other kittens did not survive.

Despite their harrowing experience, Sarah and John are safe now, thanks to the kindness of a good samaritan and the support of our friends like you.

They paid a visit to the vet earlier this week and sweet Sarah received antibiotics to help her heal from the wounds on her paws and a slight fever. They're both doing well now, and Sarah is very attached to John, holding him close to her all day.

We've been at our established capacity here at Tenth Life for over a month now, but with your help, we've found the resources to take in 22 more cats and kittens in dangerous situations, many with special needs and injuries, so far this month. Today, we're raising life-saving funds so that we can ensure every cat that enters our door has the veterinary care and supplies that they need to thrive.

So what do you say? Will you make a gift of $5 or more today in honor of Sarah, John, and the countless others who need our help?

Together, we can give cats the lives they deserve. Thank you for your compassion and support. ❤️

www.tenthlifecats.org/donate

Joey Rameown here to remind you that Retreat Gastropub is generously donating 15% of sales this evening to help cats in need just like him! Joey was born to a stray mama cat earlier this year and is safe and loved because of supporters like you and our friends at Retreat Gastropub.

They're serving up delicious food and drinks from 4pm - 9pm. Comment if we'll see you there!

https://www.retreatgastropub.com/

St. Louis band The Meowzas just released a new album and we were downright giddy when we heard that it includes a cat-themed song inspired by Tenth Life! Give it a listen and be sure to give them a follow. Their songs Tenth Life, Shoulder Cat, and Cherokee Street are on repeat at our adoption lounge these days. Which is your favorite?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=qk7f98cPoWY&list=OLAK5uy_ms7LSqw1pd123D9SmzKhducmB5J6EG_zc&index=11

Tenth Life Provided to YouTube by CDBabyTenth Life · The MeowzasRosé Colored Glasses℗ 2024 The MeowzasReleased on: 2024-08-04Auto-generated by YouTube.

Say hello to your newest arrivals - Tapas, Chorizo, Paella, and Patatas!

Over the weekend, a cardboard box was left at our door. At first, our staff and volunteers who were busy caring for the cats and assisting adopters believed that the box, labeled “Cat Stuff”, was donated cat supplies. We quickly learned, however, that these four were inside waiting to be found.

We receive dozens of calls and emails every single day this time of year about kittens who need help. While we don’t know where Tapas and pals were originally found, we wanted to take some time this to share a few helpful do’s and don’ts of what to do when you find kittens.

DO assess the situation. Observe. Watch from a distance to see if a mother cat is around. Remember, mother cats often leave their kittens for short periods of time while searching for food. Look for signs that the kittens are in immediate danger or in need of urgent care.

DO determine their age. Check out Kitten Lady’s age chart! https://www.kittenlady.org/age If you find that they are too young to be separated from their mama cat, typically 6 weeks and younger, DO NOT move them until you are certain their mama cat is not around.

If their mama cat returns to them, DO leave them together. As long as they are not in immediate danger or in need or urgent care, such as being very wet, cold, or injured, it’s best to leave them with their mama cat. Ensure that she has access to food, water, and a safe, quiet place. While she continues to care for them, you can determine if she is friendly or feral and begin contacting rescue organizations like Tenth Life if you cannot bring them inside yourself.

If you cannot find their mother and it has been several hours (keep in mind that kittens under 4 weeks should be eating every 4-6 hours or more frequently!), take the kittens indoors if you can. Priority number one is to keep them warm and safe! Learn all about kitten care, how to request admission to Tenth Life, and other area rescues that may be able to help in the event that we are at capacity, on our website and reach out anytime with questions.

www.tenthlifecats.org/resources/foundkittens

P.S. These four cuties need a foster home ASAP! Since we weren’t expecting their arrival, they’re currently in a kennel environment in our adoption lounge isolation room. They’d love a little space of their own where they can run and play. Interested in fostering them? Visit www.tenthlifecats.org/foster to learn more and apply!

Jude is so excited to announce that when you visit Retreat Gastropub this Thursday, August 15th, they're donating 15% of their sales to help cats just like her! Jude came to Tenth Life by way of a large, open-admission shelter that doesn't have a foster program for neonatal kittens. As she was just a tiny thing who was taken in without her mama cat or littermates, she was still in need of bottle-feeding and around-the-clock care.

Be sure to stop by Retreat Gastropub for a refreshing cocktail and delicious dinner this Thursday, August 15th, and help raise life-saving funds so that we can help more cats like sweet little Jude.

We hope to see you there!

Happy International Cat Day! Tell us, how are you and your furry friends celebrating?

Lewie may be getting adopted tomorrow but we just couldn’t miss out on showing you what a sweet baby boy he is! We have so many perfect cats and kittens at Tenth Life waiting for their forever homes so if you’re looking for your new best friend, head on over to our website to check them out. 🥰🐱🐾

www.tenthlifecats.org/adopt

What's better than one kitten? TWO KITTENS! It's and adoptable bonded brothers Umbra and Penumbra are here to help us share why adopting two kittens instead of one is beneficial for both the kittens and their new family.

Kittens are social creatures and often thrive with the company of a sibling or another willing playmate. They can play and romp around together and keep each other entertained, which helps them develop important social skills, such as how to interact with other cats and people. They practice communication and boundaries with each other, which can lead to a more well-adjusted adult cat.

Two kittens are less likely to get bored while you’re away or unable to play with the and engage in destructive behavior compared to a single kitten left alone. While two kittens can amuse each other, one may be more likely to get into things they shouldn’t due to boredom!

Having a buddy can make for an easier adjustment in their new home. Kittens that grow up together tend to adjust better to new environments and situations when they have each other. They’re already used to each other’s presence and scents, which can make their transition to a new home smoother.

Believe it or not, there may also be health benefits! Having a playmate can encourage more physical activity and mental stimulation for a cat, contributing to better overall health and fitness.

Of course, adopting two kittens is a commitment and you’ll want to be sure you’re ready for the added responsibility. If you are though, we promise it will be quite rewarding!

www.tenthlifecats.org/adopt

Last week this dirty, scrappy boy showed up at our adoption lounge door. Pictured here is how we first met! With no microchip or owner to be found, we brought him inside to a temporary kennel and named him Ice Cream Sundae.

Since then, he's been relaxing and enjoying the AC and three square meals a day. We've learned that he's a charming, sweet fella who enjoys sritches behind his ears and words of affirmation. Just tell him what a good boy he is and he lights up!

Yesterday, Ice Cream Sundae visited his veterinarian for the first time and tested positive for both Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. While he is currently asymptomatic, we're searching for a foster home where he can either be the only cat or have a space of his own. Due to Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, we know he has a weaker immune system than average kitties and could very easily pick up common infections. And, because Feline Leukemia Virus is quite contagious, we wouldn't want to risk him sharing the virus with others. He's not yet neutered but that's happening very soon and he's up to date on his vaccines. His bags are packed and he's ready to go to a foster home! If you're interested, learn more and apply at www.tenthlifecats.org/foster.

P.S. Today happens to be $5 Friday and we're raising life-saving funds so that we can continue to help cats who need us most, like those with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukemia. Sadly, many shelters do not have the capacity to help cats with these common viruses. Could you spare $5 or more today in honor of Ice Cream Sundae?

Fostering cats with special needs and donating toward their care help us give cats the lives they deserve. Thank you for your support!

Beat the St. Louis summer heat and visit Hi-Pointe Theatre this weekend for the one and only CatVideoFest. They're donating a portion of the ticket sales to help cats in need and we can't wait to see what they have in store!

THIS AUGUST AT THE HI-POINTE!
CATVIDEOFEST returns to the Hi-Pointe this weekend benefitting Tenth Life!

We've got new releases like the gothic creeper THE VOURDALAK; the heartwarming GHOSTLIGHT; the riotous KNEECAP; the whimsical SIROCCO AND THE KINDGOM OF THE WINDS; the latest from Agnieszka Holland, GREEN BORDER; and a unique look at America's gay rodeo subculture, NATIONAL ANTHEM.

We've got 4K Restorations! SEVEN SAMURAI; the recut and reimagined CALIGULA: THE ULTIMATE CUT; THE BREAKFAST CLUB; and from the director of Fantastic Planet, THE TIME MASTERS with designs created by seminal French comic artist Mœbius.

We've got special collaborations like the inaugural entry in our Movie Book Club, co-presented with The Novel Neighbor, as well as screenings presented by Operation Food Search, Tower Grove Pride & earthday365.

If that weren't enough, we're proud to announce MADE IN ENGLAND: THE FILMS OF POWELL & PRESSBURGER, a new documentary narrated by Executive Producer Martin Scorsese that will be accompanied by 4K restorations of some of Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger's greatest works: I KNOW WHERE I'M GOING!, THE RED SHOES, and THE LIFE AND DEATH OF COLONEL BLIMP.

And that's not all! We've got 35mm screenings of PINK FLOYD: THE WALL and the 25th Anniversary of RAVENOUS! Widescreen Wednesdays! CinemAsylum! And so much more!
This August

Cinema St. Louis

Pasta anyone? Farfalle, Bucatini, Fettuccine, Ditalini, and Cavatelli are everything you could ask for in a kitten. They’re each sweet, playful, and fun! At 4.5 months old, they’re looking for their forever homes either in pairs or to homes where they’ll have feline pals. www.tenthlifecats.org/adopt 🐱🐾

Did someone say Book Club? Princess Fiona is in! The princess might not know how to read but she wouldn't want you to miss out on the chance to spend an afternoon hanging out with our adoption lounge resident cats and discussing a good book!

Our next Book Club Fundraiser is on Saturday, August 24th and we'll be discussing "If Cats Disappeared from the World" by Genki Kawamura.

Grab your ticket now and comment if we'll see you there!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-club-if-cats-disappeared-from-the-world-tickets-944449492857?aff=oddtdtcreator

Today is $6 Saturday and we have a goal to raise $1,000 to help special needs cats like Nutmeg! Can you help?

When Nutmeg and her littermate, Basil, were found alone in a driveway at just one day old this spring, a kind person scooped them up and thankfully, they were able to join a nursing mama cat and her sweet litter of 5 kittens who were already at Tenth Life!

Since their arrival, the group of 7 kittens have faced many challenges, especially our darling baby Nutmeg. As tiny kittens, they struggled with constipation and required enemas. And then, around-the-clock supportive care after the unexpected loss of their mama cat due to neurological issues and a suspected blood clot. While this loss was terribly heavy and sad, the kittens' incredible foster mom stepped up to the plate and took over the role of their caregiver, bottle-feeding them every couple of hours in the beginning, expressing their bladders and bowels so they could potty, and helping them wean and grow.

About a month ago now, when their foster parents arrived home one afternoon, they noticed that Nutmeg's eye was very swollen and her pupil was dilated, as you can see here. This was quite scary and they rushed her to the emergency veterinary clinic, where she was diagnosed with glaucoma. Shortly after, she paid a visit to an animal eye specialist, who was concerned that a virus was to blame for Nutmeg's swollen, painful eye infliction. Tests were promptly ordered and we learned that Nutmeg, along with three of her kitten pals, have Feline Leukemia Virus, or FeLV.

Thankfully, medication has helped Nutmeg's eye a great deal and none of the kittens are experiencing any other symptoms. They will soon be spayed and neutered and they are receiving all of the love and care that we could dream of for them in their foster home. While we aren't 100% sure what their futures will hold, we are beyond grateful that we've been able to provide them with all of the veterinary care that they need.

This is all thanks to our generous supporters like you. Every penny makes a difference in the lives of cats with special needs like Nutmeg. Will you consider a gift today in her honor?

www.tenthlifecats.org/donate

Today is the final day to enter the raffle of the summer! Make a donation to help cats in need and you'll be entered to win a private pool party at an urban oasis plus yummy fare by Mission Taco Joint. Don't miss out on this opportunity for some fun in the sun!

Private Pool Party for 15 Catered by Mission Taco!  

From a terrified and injured kitten alone on the side of the highway to a healthy, happy little cat, Esme has made a miraculous recovery and is ready to find a family to call her own!

This sweet girl was found earlier this year on the side of the highway with two badly broken back legs. While we had no idea how she ended up there, we speculate that she was hit by a vehicle. Thanks to our supporters like you though, we were able to help Esme receive a life-changing surgery where both legs were repaired.

Esme has spent the last few months healing and learning what it means to be safe and adored. Despite the trauma she endured, she has zero mobility limitations and walks, runs, and plays like any other cat. She can be a little shy at first, but once she gets to know you she'll be rubbing against your legs and asking for pets. And, she loves other cats. We know she'll get adopted quick so if you're interested be sure to apply today!

www.tenthlifecats.org/adopt

Dreaming about a staycation day? We've got you! You could win a private pool party in Soulard catered by Mission Taco Joint! Head on over to our raffle and enter to win by making a donation of $5 or more. 100% of the proceeds from this raffle help give cats the lives they deserve.

https://tenthlife.rallyup.com/poolparty24

CatVideoFest is coming to St. Louis! Visit Hi-Pointe Theatre on August 3rd and 4th for an afternoon of silly cat videos and fun! Wait! There's more?! Yep. The kind folks making this magical event happen have chosen to donate a portion of the ticket sales to Tenth Life. Comment if we'll see you there and be sure to invite your cat-loving friends.

CatVideoFest 2024 CatVideoFest is a compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses.

Meet sweet little Ray Ray!

Last weekend, we received an urgent plea to help a tiny kitten who was found wandering alone outside in rural Missouri. The kind person who found him scooped him up and got him safely inside, but did not have the resources to take Ray Ray to the vet and his little back leg appeared to be injured. While we have been bursting at the seams here at Tenth Life, luck would have it that one of our dedicated kitten foster moms had become available that very same day and we were able to take Ray Ray under our wings.

Thanks to our supporters like you, we were able to take Ray Ray in with a lot of uncertainty. Unsure of the cause behind Ray Ray dragging his back leg behind him, he paid a visit to his Tenth Life partner vet this week and we learned that he was likely born with his leg splayed. Thankfully, it is not broken and he will likely live a very happy and healthy life despite this. For now, we’re watching him very closely but his foster mom reports that Ray Ray is running, playing, and acting as a normal 8-week-old kitten should. He’ll receive all of his necessary kitten vaccines and testing, get neutered and microchipped, and one day soon, be ready to find a family to call his own. Go Ray Ray!

Today is $5 Friday and Ray Ray, along with countless other vulnerable cats and kittens, need help. Veterinary expenses, especially for those with a special need or injury, have skyrocketed and shelters across the country are overwhelmed. Tenth Life exists to help those who have nowhere else to turn, like a kitten found with a wonky leg in a rural area and no access to veterinary care. And, with your support of $5 or more today, we can continue giving cats just like Ray Ray the lives they deserve.

From Ray Ray and the entire Tenth Life team, thank you!

www.tenthlifecats.org/donate