Local shelter seeks community support to care for influx of kittens in upcoming months
During the warmer months, the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County sees an influx of neonatal kittens that need to be cared for.
Because of this, the HSTPC launched an annual Kitten Shower campaign to help raise funds and donations throughout the month of April to help care for kittens in the upcoming months.
According to a press release, the HSTPC cared for over 2,000 kittens last year and are expecting to care for more kittens this year.
“As spring temperatures rise, so does the number of kittens in need of care at our shelter,” said Leslie Dalzell, chief executive officer at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County in the press release. “While tons of nursing kittens may seem adorable, caring for them takes a lot of resources and requires round-the-clock attention. We rely on our community’s support to make this lifesaving work possible.”
Lauren Green, the shelter’s marketing coordinator, said in email to the The News Tribune that the shelter allocated over $257,000 toward the care of 2,400 kittens and cats in need in 2023. In the past three months, the shelter has cared for 180 cats, but anticipate that this kitten season will be busier, so they are turning to the community for support.
“In anticipation of another busy kitten season, we are hosting our annual virtual Kitten Shower welcoming the community to rally behind the tiniest most vulnerable animal population in our shelter,” Green said. “From donating much-needed supplies, to fostering, there are a number of ways to support kittens in need.”
In preparation for kitten season, the HSTPC are asking the community to donate money and supplies to help care for kittens and cats.
Monetary donations can be made directly on the HSTPC website, which also provides information as to where the money is allocated.
The shelter is also asking community members to suggest names for the kittens. Community members can suggest names for incoming kittens with a donation starting at $10.
The HSTPC has an Amazon Wishlist Kitten Registry that includes items such as cat food, treats, nipple syringes and litter boxes.
The shelter is also accepting the following items:
- Royal Canin Mother and Babycat (canned or dry)
- Hills Kitten(canned or dry)
- Snuggle Safe heating disks
- Digital pet thermometers
- Digital scale with ounces
- KMR Kitten Milk Replacer
- Feliway pheromone diffuser
Interested in fostering kittens or cats?
Along with monetary and supply donations, the shelter is also looking for people that are interested in fostering cats and kittens.
For those interested in fostering, you’d only have to provide the pet with love while the shelter provides everything you need including food, toys, blankets, and medical care while the pet is in your care.
If you’re interested in fostering a pet, fill out a short foster inquiry form on The Humane Society website.
Interested in adopting?
To adopt a pet, first view the adoptable pets on The Humane Society website then fill out an adoption application before heading to the shelter in person.
According to the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County website, each adoption includes the following:
Wellness examination from shelter staff
Spay or neuter surgery
Microchip with national registration
Initial vaccines
Pet care counseling
Additional adoption benefits include:
One free week of GoodPup dog training
An exclusive 20% off discount at participating MudBay stores
A VCA Healthy Start Certificate, which includes a complimentary veterinary health exam and 14-day follow-up care
If you’re interested in fostering or adopting a pet from the HSTPC, here are two cats that have been at the shelter for a long time.
Meet your fur-ever feline friend
Leo
Leo has been in the shelter’s care since February and has been enjoying time in a foster home. Leo is one striking older gentleman! Just look at that stunning leopard coat! The 10-year-old prefers a life of tranquility, with quiet evenings at home curled up on the couch being his favorite pastime.
Apaloosa
Apaloosa has been in the shelter’s care since February and has been enjoying time in a foster home. Apaloosa will gallop straight into anyone’s heart! The charming 2-year-old made fast friends with his foster parent, trotting alongside them like a little shadow and playfully requesting affection in the form of chin scratches. Now, he’s ready to nuzzle up with a family of his own.
This story was originally published April 10, 2024 at 10:56 AM.
