On Saturday, March 9th, from 10 AM to 4 PM at Bestial Pet House in Tanki Flip, the Nine Lives Aruba Foundation will host a special Adoption Day—offering rescued cats a chance at a better life. Behind the smiles of volunteers and the purring of healthy felines lies a passionate grassroots movement dedicated to reshaping Aruba’s attitude toward animal welfare.
Founded in 2018, Nine Lives Aruba focuses on rescuing and rehoming stray cats across the island, filling a vital gap in animal welfare where canine-focused shelters already exist. But this foundation does more than just rescue animals—they educate Aruba’s youth on responsible pet ownership, spay and neuter initiatives, and environmental impacts caused by unchecked stray populations.
Aruba’s street cats, while quiet and elusive, pose a growing threat to the island’s fragile ecosystem—preying on endangered species like the Shoco (Aruba’s burrowing owl) and the Barica Geel (a native songbird). Overdevelopment and lack of awareness have left the ecosystem unbalanced. Nine Lives is working tirelessly to restore it.
From fostering and overseas adoption to organizing kitten socialization programs (yes, “kitten snugglers” are real and needed!), Nine Lives operates 24/7 fueled solely by donations and volunteers. Supplies like flea collars, food bowls, toys, and treats are always in high demand due to high import costs. Tourists and locals alike are encouraged to donate or even act as travel companions for adopted pets heading to their forever homes abroad.
This isn’t just an animal shelter—it’s a community revolution led by compassionate individuals who took action rather than simply complain. Every adoption, every donated item, every shared Facebook post helps Nine Lives get closer to a future where animal suffering on Aruba is a thing of the past.
If you’re in Aruba on March 9, stop by, snuggle a kitten, and perhaps meet your new furry best friend. You might just find the most meaningful souvenir of all.
Photo credits : https://www.visitaruba.com/blog/things-to-do/nine-lives-aruba-foundation-adoption-day/
