​Spring is coming up very soon and with spring comes Kitten Season, but what is Kitten Season?

Most cats have kittens in the warmer months (spring and summer), so this time of year is known as Kitten Season by shelters, veterinarians and pet owners. Kitten Season can be overwhelming for shelters such as the one operated by Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control (PBCACC) and the people in our county who want to help the kittens they find. So the question is, how can the community best help during this time of year?

Don't Kit-nap!
The best thing to do if there are kittens in the neighborhood is leave them be; their best chance of survival is with their mother.  If after 24 hours the kittens seem truly abandoned or if they appear sick, cold or nonresponsive, then it's time to take action by making sure the kittens are warm. When the kittens are stable, make sure to contact a local veterinarian, shelter or rescue for further advice and assistance.

What can be done to help?
Participate in the TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) program. To help keep the number of litters under control during Kitten Season, PBCACC encourages everyone to participate in the TNVR program if there are free-roaming cats in the community. TNVR stabilizes colonies by preventing new litters, greatly reduces nuisance behaviors associated with free roaming cats, increases colony immunity to rabies, and reduces the number of cats in the shelter therefore preventing overcrowding and illness.

Want to participate in the program, but don't have a trap? No problem! PBCACC loans out humane traps for free with a refundable $75 deposit. 

Looking to spay/neuter a pet cat?
PBCACC provides financial support for select spay and neuter programs. If an owned pet needs spay/neuter services, please contact Barky Pines Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, Tri-County Animal Rescue, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, The Darbster Foundation or Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic, & Ranch. 

Foster kittens until they can be adopted by their forever families.
Kitten Season can be overwhelming for shelters like PBCACC, but the public can help provide more space for the shelter to take on critical cases by choosing to foster kittens until they are old enough to be adopted. PBACC provides the supplies, fosters provide the love.

Donate much needed kitten supplies.     
Don't have the time or resources available to participate in TNVR or foster programs, but still want to help? PBCACC is accepting donations. Items such as Royal Canin Babycat canned food, Fancy Feast chicken or turkey canned food, KMR (Kitten Milk Replacement), Gerber Baby Food - chicken & gravy, disposable cotton face rounds, plastic pet carriers, miracle nipples and kitten toys are always appreciated by staff and the kittens.

Whole communities can get involved by hosting a supply drive. Donations can be brought in or delivered to the shelter c/o PBCACC Community Programs.

Spread the word! Education is vital!
Ensuring the shelter has enough resources to provide proper care during kitten season takes a village. Whether donations are supplies or time, every little bit counts and no one can do it alone. Talk to friends and family about ways they can help support Palm Beach County's feline population.

All animal photos are linked here:

https://pbcclouddrive.pbcgov.org/invitations?share=58f4337fbb652a1c12ba

PBCACC'S adoption center hours are Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. PBCACC is located at 7100 Belvedere Rd. in West Palm Beach, just west of the Florida Turnpike.

For more information, please call (561) 233-1200 or visit www.pbcgov.com/animal.​