It’s Kitten Season! And Shelters Need Your Help

By Meha Ahmad
Evander
Two-month-old Evander is a tabby kitten who arrived at PAWS Chicago with his littermates, who will all be available for adoption at the Spring Adopt-a-Thon this weekend. Courtesy of PAWS Chicago
Evander
Two-month-old Evander is a tabby kitten who arrived at PAWS Chicago with his littermates, who will all be available for adoption at the Spring Adopt-a-Thon this weekend. Courtesy of PAWS Chicago

It’s Kitten Season! And Shelters Need Your Help

By Meha Ahmad
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Get ready for some meows and cuddles, Chicago: kitten season is here.

And while that may sound adorable, it can put a strain on local animal shelters’ space and resources.

The number of kittens a shelter sees at the beginning of the year can easily double—even triple—before the summer. For instance, PAWS Chicago took in 38 kittens this last February, and they’ve already surpassed that number this month, having taken in more than 60 by the third week of April. 

And the shelter can expect at least an additional 100 kittens in the month of May.

To help us understand what kitten season is, and to talk about the shelter’s Spring Adopt-A-Thon on April 27-28, Morning Shift checks in with PAWS Chicago volunteer Mark Lukas and two-month old tabby Evander.

Kele is a five-month-old special needs kitten, who was born with a congenital spine malformation. ‘Kele needs an especially devoted family to manage her limitations and provide her with regular medication/veterinary care, but in return she is eager to offer unlimited love!’ -PAWS Chicago
Kele is a five-month-old special needs kitten, who was born with a congenital spine malformation. ‘Kele needs an especially devoted family to manage her limitations and provide her with regular medication/veterinary care, but in return she is eager to offer unlimited love!’ -PAWS Chicago

LEARN MORE:

100 Puppies, Kittens, Dogs And Cats Looking For Homes This Weekend At PAWS’ Spring Adopt-A-Thon (Block Club Chicago 4/23)