Kitten Season is here in a big way!

What do you do when you find a box of kittens in the Home Depot parking lot, in jeopardy of being hit by a car? You rescue them, of course! Thanks to a concerned community member who looked in the box, these little cutie pies were saved and brought to the shelter.

They are in foster care, receiving all the tender, loving care they need. They have been given their best chance at a good life in a loving home. As kitten season begins, more moments like this will happen. Here are a few tips that will help you know what to do if you happen to come across kittens:

Mom may be nearby! An initial reaction to seeing tiny kittens outside is to want to take them. But that isn’t always the best to do. Mom may be out looking for food. Give her time to return. Mom is the BEST caregiver for her babies until they can eat on their own.

• Determine if the kittens look to be in good or poor condition. Kittens that are clean and alert, and look well-fed are likely being cared for. Kittens that are filthy, look malnourished, or appear sick, are unlikely to receive care. 
• If your kittens are being taken care of, leave food and water in the area for mom, but not too close. You don’t want to attract other animals that may harm the kittens. 
• If no mother has been around for 24 hours or the animals are sick, call your local animal shelter, rescue, or animal control for help. 
• Kittens within the window of 5 to 12 weeks old are good candidates for socialization and, eventually, adoption. We can help provide resources so you can work to trap the kittens and locate a local TNR program for mom. 

If you need help in the area, please contact us at 973-386-0590, and speak to a team member. 

This is the beginning of a busy time of year when we receive numerous requests for help. We never want to turn anyone away, but resources are limited. With your help, more lives can be saved. Your tax-deductible donation today will provide a brighter tomorrow for animals in need.

Kitten fosters are always needed, and Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter is willing to train! We provide all the supplies; you provide the love. If you would like to learn more about our foster program, please get in touch with our Foster Programs Manager, Rose Cigna, at rose.cigna@njshelter.org.