Every Spring, our MAC team holds our breath as we anticipate the influx of orphaned kittens. As the days begin to warm, unaltered cats begin to reproduce, thus leading to a flood of found and more often than not, orphaned kittens.
In 2021, our foster team cared for more than 1,000 animals, most of which were kittens, that 100% rely on dedicated staff and foster parents to survive.
How can you help support MAC during Kitten Season?
- Don’t ‘kit-nap’ a kitten! If you see a single kitten, or a litter of kittens by themselves the first thing you should do is WAIT! Do not touch or move them (unless of course they are in immediate danger!). Mom cats will almost always return for their kittens. She could be off hunting for food or in the middle of moving them to a safer place. Make sure that they are dry, not too cold or warm, and wait at least 24 hours for mom to return.
Pro Tip: If the kittens are clean and silent, then leave them be as long as possible. If they are dirty or crying, it’s a good indicator that they need help after you’ve given time for mom to come back.
- Become a MAC Foster. A MAC Foster helps to support our animal care team at a very important time of year when it comes to Kitten Season. As a kitten foster, you will be tasked with helping to provide round the clock care for the kittens, including feeding and cleaning, and of course providing them with love! Once kittens are healthy enough, 8 weeks or older, and weigh enough, they will become candidates for adoption. You get to help make that happen! Apply Now: Click Here
- Donate Supplies. With hundreds of kittens coming through our doors on a weekly basis, you can imagine how quickly we run through supplies. Donate items such as gently used or new linens, fleece blankets, heating pads or snuggle safes, bottles, miracle nipples, and of course Kitten Milk Replacement (KMR) formula. Additionally, monetary support also always helps to make a difference in the lives of the animals MAC serves during this time.
- Spay or Neuter Your Cat. Help prevent unwanted kittens from being born! If you have a cat indoor, or outdoor that is unaltered, consider having them spayed (for female cats) or neutered (for male cats). MAC offers low-cost spay and neuter services to all Hamilton County residents. MAC also offers TNR cat spay and neuter services if you are caring for a colony or have a few in your neighborhood!
- Adopt a Cat! MAC adoptions will be full of cute and quirky cats and kittens come the end of spring. There is no better time to add a new kitty to your family than now! MAC Adoptions are open Tuesday through Friday 12 PM to 6 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM.
Have a question about helping with kitten season? Give us a call today! 423-305-6500