Various ways to help out ARF during kitten season
With spring comes the pitter patter of tiny paws, as kitten season gets into full swing.
The warmer weather of March through September leads to a population explosion from unaltered felines – and a massive influx in kittens turned into shelters by concerned residents.
Well-meaning people often “rescue” newborn litters of kittens they find outdoors and rush them to shelters, inadvertently putting them at greater risk for exposure to illness. Unless there is an imminent threat to the litter, the best thing to do is wait and watch from a distance. The mother may be looking for food or in the process of moving her family to a different location.
If mom comes back and the area is safe, leave the kittens with her until they are weaned. You can offer shelter and food, but keep the food some distance from the shelter to avoid attracting other cats or wildlife to the litter.
One of the best ways to help save more lives is to volunteer as a foster. Overcrowded shelters struggle to find space and resources to accommodate all the cats and kittens in need of a home, especially those who are too young or recovering from illness prior to adoption. Fostering not only frees up space in the shelter for more animals to be saved, but it’s also an easy way to get your kitten fix without the life-long commitment.
As an ARF foster, you’ll receive all the essentials: medical care, food, litter, bedding, toys and treats. All you need to provide is time, love and a little bit of space for them to call their own.
You can help by opening your home to care for a litter until they are old enough to be placed for adoption. Sign up today at arflife.org/foster and start saving lives.
If you aren’t quite ready to foster, consider joining us at ARF’s Puppy and Kitten shower on April 6 to help us gather foster supplies for kittens and puppies. Learn more at arflife.org. Or you can donate a gift at local Pet Food Express locations or on Amazon at http://bit.ly/ARFpuppykitten.
Kitten season can be challenging, but with the help of caring people, we can make a difference. Whether it is by fostering, adopting, donating or even just helping spread the word about spaying and neutering pets, your actions save lives.
Elena Bicker is the Executive Director of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at (925) 256-1ARF (1273)
