May 26, 2010
Coping with Kitten Season
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Kitty conundrum
Why does kitten season occur? Because too many kittens are born when cats who are not spayed and neutered mate.
The easiest way to help reduce the overwhelming numbers of unwanted cats is to spay and neuter your own cat and encourage others to do the same. Unaltered cats are driven by their hormones and tend to sneak outdoors primarily in search of a mate. Mating just once can start a domino effect that can result in dozens, even hundreds or thousands of unwanted animals.
These unwanted cats and kittens, when not left on the street to fend for themselves, often turn up in large numbers at the local animal shelter and other rescue groups.
Straining shelters and rescue groups
Kitten season presents many challenges for shelters and rescue groups caring for cats. Resources already hard to come by—like food, money and space—are often stretched to their limit as shelters and other rescue groups, which often take in thousands of animals every year, are inundated with homeless cats.
Typically, adult cats are often overlooked by potential adopters when cute kittens are in abundance. As shelters and other rescue groups struggle to accommodate as many cats as possible, the risk of illness also increases.
The animals aren't the only ones who feel the effects of stress. The burden often carries over to staff and vet services as they attempt to cope with the overwhelming number of cats.
Cats can become pregnant as young as five months of age. Where to have your cat spayed or neutered »
Five ways you can help
The vast numbers of cats cared for by shelters and other rescue groups, especially during kitten season, will not drop overnight and will not drop without your help.
Here's how you can get involved:
1. Spay or neuter your cats
Cats can become pregnant as young as five months of age. Fortunately, kittens as young as two months and weighing two pounds can be safely altered. Many people ask their veterinarian to spay or neuter their pet. If you have trouble affording the fee, check our state-by-state list of groups offering spay/neuter assistance.
2. Help your local shelter
Donate supplies, money or your time. Contact your local shelter to find out what's needed most. You can also volunteer at your local shelter's adoption events or promotions.
3. Care for homeless or feral (not tame) cats in your area
Work with your local animal control or feral cat group to help manage your neighborhood's feral and stray cat populations. Keep your cat happy indoors and learn how to provide safe outdoor time. More about helping feral cats »
4. Become a foster parent
Contact your local shelter or rescue group to learn more about becoming a foster parent for cats or kittens in need.
5. Adopt
Open your home to new cat or adopt a playmate for your existing pets. Check out The Shelter Pet Project or Petfinder.com to find a new feline friend!