80 cats need homes as Redwood City shelter closing temporarily

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (KGO) -- The Nine Lives Foundation will temporarily close its animal shelter in Redwood City by next month.

RELATED: Shelter that rescued 'smurf' cat in need of help.

As a result of the closure about 80 cats need to either be adopted or placed in foster homes as soon as possible.

The impending closure comes as the foundation prepares to relocate the shelter to a smaller space just down the road from its current location on Rolison Rd. The 'new' building is a former laundromat in need of repair and renovations. Shelter officials estimate it'll cost approximately $200,000 to convert the space to fit their needs. So far, nearly $50,000 has been collected through a fundraising campaign called '$9 for 9 Lives' on GoFundMe.com.

RELATED: Bay Area kitten likely used as doggie chew toy rescued

Shelter officials tell us construction on the new shelter location can begin once Nine Lives is able to raise at least 50-percent of its goal. Meanwhile, the foundation's spay/neuter clinic will remain open at its location on Jefferson Ave.

The foundation previously made headlines after rescuing a young kitten who was spray-painted with purple dye, and likely used as a chew toy, according to veterinarians. While in the foundation's care, 'Smurf' bonded with another kitten named 'Wanda' who had gone blind. The two of them eventually went on to make a full recovery, and were adopted by a family last year.

Click here for more information on how to adopt a cat.