In New York, a group of kittens, including Strawberry, Blueberry, JoJo, and Mazzy, were rescued from metal pipes, while Meatball was found in a cold garage. Spaghetti, Macaroni, and Rigatoni were just two weeks old when rescued by LIC Feral Feeders in Queens. These kittens symbolize the onset of kitten season 2025, a period in warmer months when shelters become overwhelmed due to an influx of fragile neonate kittens. Hannah Shaw, known as the Kitten Lady, highlights that around 1.5 million kittens enter U.S. shelters annually, especially in May and June, necessitating an urgent need for foster homes.
Many people are hesitant to foster due to misconceptions about costs. Shaw clarifies that most shelters cover food, supplies, and medical expenses, and fostering is primarily about donating time and love. Additionally, Lisa Restine, a veterinarian, recommends adopting kittens in pairs, as they often bond closely. She offers guidelines for how many cats a household can manage, suggesting a 2-to-1 ratio of adults to cats based on space considerations.
Kittens typically remain in foster care for several weeks to months, with reports showing that up to 90% of foster families opt to adopt their charges, a statistic seen as a positive outcome. Barriers to fostering include fears of needing special skills or training, which Shaw aims to dismantle through educational resources on her website. Companies like Hill’s Pet Food support this effort, having contributed over $300 million in food to shelters fostering kittens. While it’s estimated that a quarter of a million kittens do not survive in shelters, Shaw encourages potential foster caregivers, asserting they can successfully provide care with the right support.
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