Ft Worth Times

Kitten season is in full swing and the community is starting to see kittens everywhere. In less than a week, Fort Worth Animal Care & Control had over 150 cat intakes and has over 250 cats in its care.

Leave them be: No one can take better care of kittens than their mother.

• It is common for a mother cat to leave her kittens for periods of time to hunt or provide for her family. That does not mean she has abandoned them, which is very rare.
• So, if you find a litter of kittens, leave them be.
• Many well-intentioned pet lovers believe they are helping when they bring feral kittens to the shelter.
• It is not the best of healthiest course of action.
• Instead, observe the litter for several days, and if it is known that the mother cat has not returned or the kittens appear sick or dehydrated, then contact Fort Worth Animal Care & Control so staff can assess and assist.

How can you help? There are cats and kittens of all ages -- from neonates and weaned kittens to seniors. Help kittens by becoming a foster until they are old enough to be adopted. Staff will give bottle-feeding information, and hands-on training with individual fosters, as well as provide resources to make the foster process easier. Apply online or in person to start the onboarding process.

PetSmart National Adoption Week: Are you seeking a more permanent way to help? Adopt! Experience the unbreakable bond of a shelter pet and your family during the PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week that will take place from July 10-16.

Adoptions are free during this event: All adoptable animals are vaccinated, microchipped and spayed or neutered. Adopters receive an informational Welcome Packet and a coupon book for discounts on pet supplies at participating PetSmart Charities stores.

Whether fostering or adopting, expert staff will guide you to the perfect match for your household taking into consideration your personality and lifestyle, as well as space and time restrictions. From cute and fun felines, or young and active dogs to chill and gentle senior animals- you are sure to find forever love with a shelter pet.

Find more information or view adoptable pets. Follow Fort Worth Animal Care & Control on Facebook for daily photos of pets, staff, fosters and new adopters.

Original source can be found here.