Five Purr-fect Ways to Make a Difference for Kittens During Kitten Season

As temperatures rise, so does the number of kittens in need entering shelters. The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County is anticipating the arrival of over a thousand tiny felines in the upcoming months. While tons of nursing kittens may tug at the heartstrings, the reality is that providing for them demands significant resources and round-the-clock attention.  

In anticipation of this influx of kittens, the shelter is gearing up for its much-anticipated Kitten Shower – a virtual event to rally support and resources for those vulnerable newcomers. Throughout April, supporters are invited to engage in various virtual activities hosted on the shelter’s Instagram. Join us to learn how you can lend a helping paw to kittens during this kitten season and all year round. 

Here are five impactful ways you can help kittens in our shelter and community: 

Donate items from our kitten registry 

As the number of kittens entering the shelter rises, donations from our Amazon wishlist kitten registry are in high demand!  

Your contribution enables us to equip foster volunteers with essential supplies to care for their foster kittens. This includes bottles, formula (Kitten Meal Replacer), wet food, toys, heating pads, and many other necessities.  

Name a kitten

Let’s give these incoming kittens some names! Get creative and suggest a name for an incoming shelter kitten for a monetary donation starting at $10.  

Feeling a bit uninspired? You can support kitten care with a monetary donation through our website. 

• $20: Feeds homeless kittens for four days. 
• $30: Provides vaccinations for 15 kittens. 
• $50: Covers medical exams for two kittens. 
• $100: Supports the costs of spay/neuter surgeries for three kittens. 

No matter the amount, your contribution can make a life-changing impact for kittens in need. 

Become a foster volunteer

From bottle-fed babies who require frequent feedings every few hours to nursing mother cats, there are different fostering opportunities to fit various lifestyles.  

Previous fostering experience isn’t necessary, and there’s no minimum time commitment. Whether you live in an apartment or have other pets at home, you can foster! Our dedicated foster team will guide you through the process, equipping you with all the necessary knowledge, supplies, and support. Sign up to become a foster volunteer! 

Step into the paws of a dedicated feline foster volunteer, Linda Kurjah, as she shares about the rewarding journey fostering cats and kittens.  

Adopt a kitten

Once the tiny kittens have grown big and strong enough to be spayed or neutered, typically around 2 months old, they’ll be ready for adoption. 

Last year, our shelter took care of over 2,400 kittens, each finding their loving homes! This year, we’re gearing up for even more adorable bundles of joy! You can view available kittens on our website or by visiting the shelter. 

As an open admission shelter, we welcome animals regardless of their age, breed, medical conditions, or behavioral needs. This makes us the final refuge for many animals who have nowhere else to turn, often needing significant medical attention or behavioral support. The moment one animal is adopted, their spot is quickly filled by another furry friend in need. By adopting, you’re not just changing one life, but two: the one you bring home and the one we’re able to assist in their place. 

Don’t kit-nap kittens!

If you come across a kitten or a litter of kittens outdoors, your initial impulse might be to immediately take them to a local shelter or veterinarian. However, this may not be the best course of action. A kitten’s best chance of survival is often with its mother, so don’t kit-nap them! It is best to wait and see if the mother cat returns before taking any action: 

•  Maintain a distance of at least 35 feet to avoid deterring the mother.  

• Assess whether the kittens are in immediate danger, considering factors like weather conditions and potential threats.  

For further guidance and additional best practices, reference this flowchart and check out our blog post on what to do if you find kittens. Remember, we’re here to assist you! Before taking any action, don’t hesitate to contact the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County at (253) 383-2733 for guidance.