We love kittens. They’re playful, curious, and so much fun! But as cute as they are, shelters like ours are inundated with cats and kittens each year during kitten season. Typically kitten season used to last only through the warm summer months. Now kitten season is beginning earlier and lasting longer than previous years. We’re receiving calls multiple times every day asking us to take in cats and kittens from community members. We know it’s frustrating, but we have to put these pets on waitlists until we adopt out other animals and make room for new pets to come into the shelter. We’re overwhelmed, and the other shelters in our area and beyond are in the same position. It’s hard to keep up and we need help from the community.
If you have cats and kittens, it is imperative to get them spayed or neutered at an appropriate age. Did you know that kittens can get pregnant at 4 months old? Here at the shelter, we normally spay or neuter kittens when they reach 2 pounds and 2 months of age. Check out Alley Cat Allies’ Kitten Progression At a Glance to help determine kitten ages. You’ll want to check with your veterinarian and get their recommendation for the best age to spay or neuter your kittens. If you need assistance getting your pets spayed and neutered, please reach out to us at petsupport@rvspca.org or call 540-339-9247. Spaying and neutering is the best way to prevent homeless or unwanted litters of pets, and keeping shelters from being overwhelmed. We truly appreciate your assistance!