What is kitten season, and how can you help?

When you think of spring, you probably picture blooming flowers and warmer weather. But for animal shelters and veterinary clinics, it's also the beginning of kitten season. That’s right — there’s an actual time of year when there are even more kittens in the world to foster, adopt and generally love. But more kittens being born into the world can mean more strain on the veterinary and shelter systems. We spoke to Fetch Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Aliya McCullough, along with several of our shelter partners, to learn more about kitten season and what we can do to help.

What is kitten season?

Kitten season is the time of year when more cats are breeding, which means more kittens are born into the world. It also means animal shelters receive a very heavy increase of kittens coming to their facilities. This phenomenon, which can put a significant strain on resources, usually starts in the spring, around March or April, and can last until October. Kitten season happens when the weather is warmer and cats have historically tended to breed more. (That being said, cats can reproduce year-round.)

Why is kitten season hard on shelters?

During peak kitten season, shelters are overwhelmed with newborn kittens, many of whom are found without their mothers. These young cats, especially those under eight weeks old, require intensive, round-the-clock care. Neonatal kittens need bottle feeding, warmth and monitoring, which is a demanding task for already-busy shelter staff.

This is where foster parents become lifesavers. Shelters rely heavily on volunteers to provide a safe, nurturing environment for these vulnerable kittens until they are old enough to be adopted. Without a strong network of fosters, shelters can quickly become over capacity and struggle to care for every animal that comes through their doors.

How to help shelters during kitten season

If you're wondering what to do during kitten season, there are several ways you can make a difference. Whether you're ready to open your home to a furry friend or just want to lend a hand, every little bit helps.

Become a foster parent

Fostering is one of the most impactful things you can do. By taking in a litter of kittens, you free up space at the shelter and provide the one-on-one care they desperately need. While it's a big commitment, it's also incredibly rewarding to watch kittens grow and thrive. Once they reach eight weeks old, they are usually ready to be adopted into their forever homes.

Donate supplies

If you can't foster or adopt, shelters are always in need of supplies. Items like kitten formula, wet food and small heating pads are critical for keeping these tiny babies healthy and warm. Other useful donations include blankets, baby wipes, small food bowls, litter boxes and toys. A quick call to your local shelter will help you find out exactly what they need most.

Know what to do if you find a kitten

Finding a stray kitten can be a stressful situation, but knowing the right steps can save a life. The first thing you should do is wait to see if the mother cat returns. A mother cat is often nearby and the kittens have a much better chance of survival with her. If she doesn't come back, you can then safely take them to a local shelter. However, if she does return, you can wait until the kittens are older and then bring them to a shelter or a spay and neuter program.