It’s Kitten Season!

WENATCHEE - With warmer spring weather, it’s the time of year that the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society (WVHS) sees an influx of kittens in its shelters. It’s prime breeding season for un-fixed cats in our community. “The community can help in several ways, for example by observing and only intervening when necessary so mom and kittens remain together. The community can also help to foster or adopt orphaned kittens that require sheltering at the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society,” says WVHS Executive Director James Pumphrey. “People also can help by giving kitten supplies to support our community’s kittens.”

Cat and kitten needs – such as dry and canned food, powdered milk and litter – are listed on the WVHS website at www.wenatcheehumane.org/wishlist. People also can make monetary donations online to support the local kitten population. Pumphrey reinforces that we all can help support kittens by donating toward Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return. Spaying/neutering and vaccinating ensures that cats can no longer reproduce and are immune from critical diseases thus reducing overpopulation over a period of time. Kittens are best supported by our entire community. Wenatchee Valley Humane Society is here to help support the community in our shared efforts to help kittens thrive.

Found a Kitten?

Often our natural instinct is to take kittens into our homes when we see them in our neighborhood. However, it’s most likely that mom is away for an extended period – and she’s commonly hunting for food. It’s best to stay at least 35 feet away to allow time for mom to feel safe to return to the kittens. It is critical for the kittens’ welfare and survival to keep them with their mother. Kittens’ mothers provide care, and her milk provides vital nutrients needed to boost their immune systems during their first 4-6 weeks of life.

Only intervene if a kitten is sick or injured, and look for these signs:

Thin stomach, pale gums, diarrhea or vomiting, struggling to breathe, limping, or visibly injured. For more information go to: https://www.wenatcheehumane.org/found-a-kitten

“We’re so appreciative of all the support from the public – not only during kitten season, but throughout the year,” says Pumphrey. “We’re committed to being proactive in our work and to guaranteeing the highest standards of humane care. Our purpose is to bring pets and people together and keep pets and people together.”

Wenatchee Valley Humane Society builds a community of responsible animal owners by providing education and outreach, animal care and control for protection, and rescue and adoption services.