It’s Kitten season. That’s right, the time of year when cats mate and new babies are born. In Broward County alone there are more than 400,000 cats roaming wild and this year the numbers grew more dramatically because of the pandemic.
There are many organizations and individuals who pay for the spaying and neutering of cats to prevent their expansion. But during the last 14 months because of COVID, facilities that do the work were either shut down or limited in their ability to perform the work.
This year the impact on Abandoned Pet Rescue is an explosion of new babies that we become responsible for. Shelter manager Cheryl Benca report that so far more than 70 kittens have found their way to our doors and will stay with us until we can find them forever homes.
This gives you the opportunity to come meet some of the most loveable creatures to consider brining into your life. When cats are very young it is great to bring two home at once. “It gives them a chance to bond and socialize with a companion in their lives,” Benca said.
When you make that all important decision to adopt a kitten there are a few things to consider.
A new home with new sights, new sounds, and new smells can be a scary place for a young kitten, but there are things you can do to make the transition easier. Your new kitten likely left behind a loving mother, playful siblings, and a familiar environment, so he needs a little special care when being introduced to his new surroundings and new family.
Getting Started
Your kitty needs to feel comfortable with you as soon as possible, so start your relationship by interacting with him on his own turf where he feels safe and secure. Spend time playing and cuddling him before taking him away from his familiar environment. Bring home the comforting scent of his current home by petting his mother and siblings if they are present. Better yet, bring along a towel and rub his family members or even the inside of his kennel to carry these old scents to your kitty’s new home. Familiar smells warm the heart and steady the nerves.
Going Home
The ride home should be as pleasant as possible. Place the scented towel in a cat carrier and gently place your kitten inside. If he resists, remove the top of the carrier rather than nudging him through the door. Cats prefer cozy spots so they usually like being in a carrier. By encouraging your kitten to ride within the confines of a carrier, you are providing safety and security, as well as starting a good routine that you can maintain for future car rides.
Arriving Home
When you arrive at home, place the kitten and carrier in a small, quiet room in the house away from traffic. Open the door of the carrier and allow the cat some time to come out willingly. Place fresh water, food, and a litter box near the entrance of the carrier. Allow the kitty to come and go at will. If he cowers in the back of the pet caddy and refuses to venture out after 30 minutes, gently remove the top of the carrier, pick him up, and show him the food and water bowls and litter box. If the kitten is very tiny, a small litter box with low sides may be necessary at first. If possible, duplicate the type of litter material used in the previous home.
If you want to meet any of these beautiful babies just visit abandonedpetrescue.org and click on the ADOPT button. All of the details on how to proceed are right there. We promise you it will be a meow-velous experience.
