Giving Challenge 2026 – Vassar’s Nine lives – Cat Depot


Vassar showed up at Cat Depot already working through a few of her nine lives.

Only a few months old and still a kitten herself—she was battling a severe upper respiratory infection… and only days away from giving birth. Talk about using up lives early.

With urgent medical care, we helped Vassar land safely on her paws and moved her into a cozy foster home, where she could welcome her kittens in peace.

Despite being sick and so young, Vassar proved she still had plenty of lives (and love) left to give—becoming an amazing mom to her four tiny kittens.

Then life threw a curveball.

A good Samaritan rushed in five orphaned kittens after their mother was tragically killed. They were weak, fading, and not responding to bottle feeding. Time was running out—and so were their lives.

In one last hope, we introduced them to Vassar.

Without hesitation, she claimed them.

Nine lives? Vassar said, “Let’s make it nine kittens.”

Today, all nine kittens are thriving—stronger every day and getting closer to their big milestones.

Turns out, Vassar didn’t just use her nine lives… she shared them.

Because of one incredible young mama—and people like you—nine little futures are still unwritten.

BE THE ONE to Give a Them a Second Chance.