Shelters Raise New Concerns About 'Kitten Season' for 2024
During kitten season, shelters and rescue organizations often experience an influx of kittens as breeding increases, leading to higher numbers of homeless and stray kittens. Kitten season usually takes place in the warmer months between late spring and early fall, but now some shelters are concerned that kitten season may be lasting all year long.
Shelters are already inundated with litters of newborns and stray pregnant cats.
The Pressdemocrat reports that Pip Marquez de la Plata, executive director of Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County and Forgotten Felines trapping coordinator Mary Pulcheon argue that as the climate changes, and temperatures heat up, cats are in heat all year long.
“Heat and warmth is what it’s all about,” said Pulcheon.
Related: Shelter's Ominous 'Kitten Season' Ad Has a Very Important Message
One female cat, her mate, and their offspring, producing two litters per year with an average of 2.8 surviving kittens per litter, can produce more than 11,000 cats in a decade, the group said.
Most people love kittens, they are playful, adorable, and very affectionate. But there are just too many kittens that need homes in the world and there really is no valid reason to let your cat get pregnant or allow your cat to impregnate another cat.
How You Can Help With Kitten Season
Spay or neuter your cat. Don't let your "too young to be fixed" cats outside because cats as young as 4 months old can get pregnant. Unfixed cats can have three litters per year of up to six kittens.
Volunteer to foster kittens at your local animal shelter. Shelters will need fosters able to bottle feed and care for abandoned kittens. Most shelters provide all needed training and supplies to help care for these newborns.
Donate needed supplies, like milk replacers, kitten bottles and nipples, baby wipes, towels and heating pads.
Make donations to support trap, neuter and release programs in your area.
Adopt, don't shop. There are so many beautiful cats and kittens at your local Humane Society or animal shelter that deserve a loving, forever home.
It's important for kitty owners to take steps to prevent unplanned litters during kitten season by spaying and neutering their cats and keeping them indoors. Additionally, support your local shelter and rescue organization by adopting, volunteering, or making monetary or supply donations. These things can all help with the challenges associated with kitten season and ensure that all kittens have the opportunity to find loving homes.
The fact that shelters are seeing cats in heat all year long is a very troubling sign for kitten season. Pretty soon kitten season will be every season.
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