What is Kitten Season

A Drastic Increase in Kittens Arriving In Shelters

We just wrapped up our first ever Kitten Shower, which raised more than $20,000 for our baby cats. We held this fundraiser as kitten season is a busy time for the shelter, and it happens each year. 

But what exactly is kitten season?

It starts around springtime each year, when rescues see a drastic increase in kittens arriving in shelters. It usually begins as the days get longer, as female cats often go into heat around this time of year. Cats can have multiple litters between early spring and fall since they are pregnant for about two months per pregnancy. Since they give birth to roughly 3-6 kittens per litter, we see a drastic amount of kittens born during this time of year. This trend often occurs with stray cats, feral cats, or even outdoor cats with owners when they encounter mates outdoors. While kittens are cute, it can be a hard time for animal rescues with so many kittens coming into shelters, and many others will remain strays as their mothers often don't have homes of their own.

What can you do to help?

• Get your cat spayed or neutered! Kittens can get pregnant at six months, contributing to the problem when there are so many stray kittens they can encounter. Spaying or neutering your pets helps prevent them from impregnating or becoming pregnant. This way, we can help ensure that fewer kittens will be born without a home to go to.
• Consider adopting in pairs. In this season, we often have a surplus of kittens to adopt. Not only will you help ensure that more kittens go to loving homes, but adopting two kittens ensures they will always have a playmate, which helps them socialize and grow up to be happier, friendlier cats.
• Donate to the shelter. Kitten season puts a strain on our resources. With multiple litters born in a short period of time, it can be very expensive. Donations, monetary or in the form of supplies, go a long way to ensure our animals get all the love and care they need before going to their fur-ever homes.

Kittens will be available for adoption when they’re between eight to 12 weeks of age and have had their initial kitten series vaccinations. If you are interested in adopting kittens, contact cats@etobicokehumanesociety.com or fill out an adoption form on our website.