Kitten Season: Consequences & Responsibility

KITTEN SEASON?

Ever heard of "Kitten Season"?  Kitten season is the time of year when cats give birth, flooding animal shelters and other rescue groups across the nation with homeless litters. Kitten season is really three seasons in one, starting in spring, peaking in late spring or early summer, and ending in fall.

WHY?

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. 

THE CONSEQUENCES

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.

RESPONSIBILITY:  WHAT CAN YOU DO TO 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 out low-cost options such as these from the ASPCA.  Don't give up due to cost, if you search long enough you will find an option that works for your budget.  START BY CHECKING OUT THIS LINK!  http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter/

2. Help your local shelter

Donate supplies, money or your time.  Contact your local shelter to find out what's needed most.

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 and safe indoors. 

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 a new cat or adopt a playmate for your existing pets.  Remember, that older cat used to be a cute kitten and has been waiting patiently for a home and usually makes an even better pet than a kitten would initially.  Consider no house training, no kitten mischief and an older cat seamlessly fitting into your home and purring endlessly to show you how much they appreciate that you rescued them from the shelter.

READY TO FIND YOUR NEW FURRY BEST FRIEND?  CHECK OUT THE ADOPTABLE CATS THAT THE WAYNE TOWNSHIP ANIMAL SHELTER HAS JUST WAITING FOR YOU!  BE A HERO AND ADOPT! 

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL OF OUR ADOPTABLE ANIMALS ON PETFINDER: http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NJ516.html

ADOPTION HOURS:

Tuesdays: 6:00-8:00PM

Thursdays: 6:00-8:00PM

Saturdays: 12:00-4:00PM

LOCATION:

WAYNE TOWNSHIP ANIMAL SHELTER

201 Pompton Plains Crossroads

Wayne, NJ 07470

(Located off Route 23 North; take the Jackson Avenue exit)

Phone: 973-694-0767

Email: anima­lshelter@­wayne­township.­com