Originally published in the Winter 2025 edition of the Scratching Post magazine
When Ewok arrived at Ten Lives with her sister Yoda, she was one of over thirty cats brought in from a hoarding situation.
The circumstances were deeply concerning — many of the cats were in poor health, showing signs of untreated illnesses and malnourishment. It was a tough scene that left a mark on even the most seasoned members of our team.
Both kittens were placed into foster care together, with the hope they’d recover in a safe, stable environment.
Ewok adapted quickly. She was playful, affectionate, and curious from the start.
Yoda, unfortunately, didn’t fare as well.
Despite all efforts — proper vet care, close monitoring, and a lot of attention — Yoda’s condition went downhill. She lost weight and stopped responding to treatment.
After a full veterinary assessment, the hard call was made to euthanise her to prevent further suffering. It wasn’t the outcome anyone wanted, and her loss was felt across the team.
Meanwhile, Ewok pressed on. Her recovery had its ups and downs.
She arrived in January with a heart murmur and a painful ulcer on her tongue, which required monitoring, medication, and eventually surgery. Even after that, the lesion took time to heal and required additional reviews under anaesthesia.
She also needed a second procedure to remove baby teeth that hadn’t fallen out properly and were causing her discomfort.
At one point, she had mild sneezing and oral irritation that needed close observation. These complications meant her stay in care stretched out over several months, with regular vet checks, medication, and tailored nutrition plans.
But Ewok handled it all.
She spent her time in foster care playing, exploring, and curling up for naps. She was confident and social — good with other cats, dogs, and people.
Her personality stood out: friendly, cheeky, and full of energy. Even when she played a bit rough, she was responsive to gentle guidance, especially from her foster carers and other animals.
Her story highlights the reality behind large-scale intakes.
Cases like this are draining — emotionally, physically, and financially. For the Ten Lives team — vets, foster carers, volunteers, and staff — these are part of the job and they happen more often than people realise.
Hoarding situations demand fast action, ongoing treatment, and a lot of emotional resilience.
And sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, we lose some along the way. That’s the hard truth.
But cats like Ewok are also the reason we keep going.
She’s a clear example of what proper care, time, and commitment can do. Every health check she passed was a small win.
By the end of April, nearly five months after arriving, she was cleared for adoption.
Now, she’s in a home of her own — healthy, happy, and living the life every cat deserves.
Her story isn’t sugar-coated, but it’s real.
And in this work, real wins like Ewok’s are what matter. They remind us why we do what we do — and why we’ll always be ready for the next challenge.
Being ready for the next tough situation takes preparation and support. Help us be there for the next cat in need. Donate now.
