5 Ways You Can Help Save Kittens – Right Meow!
Cats are the unlucky bearers of a very unfortunate distinction in our local shelters: most likely to be euthanized. In the year ending December 2016, LA Animal Services reports that 6,862 cats were euthanized, and of those, 2,544 included unweaned kittens. As discouraging as these numbers are, they are improving year by year due to the hard work and dedication of shelter staff, rescues and volunteers. But more help is needed, so we are asking you to get involved through one of these 5 ways to help save kittens.
1.) Adopt kittens
Did you know that a recent study found that cat owners are smarter than dog owners? (“Well, duh!,” said the cat owner.) I also think I heard somewhere that the more cats you have, the smarter you are. Ok, maybe not. But kittens are adorable and fun! That should be reason enough to adopt one or two. Two is always better, since they can keep each other company. You know you want a kitten. Why? Because you’re smart.
2.) Become a kitten foster
Every spring, thousands of homeless kittens are born in Los Angeles. Well-meaning people bring litter upon litter to local shelters, thinking they will be cared for and adopted. But caring for an unweaned kitten is time-consuming, and shelters don’t have the staff and resources it takes to tend to them all. Rescue groups like the Found Animals Kitten Foster Project rescue as many as they can, but they rely on volunteers to care for the kittens until they are old enough to be adopted. Fostering a kitten is fun, and by becoming a kitten foster, you truly are helping to save kittens’ lives.
3.) Volunteer with a cat rescue
There are many great organizations in the LA area whose mission is to save cats. Have fun and make new friends as you assist with trapping, transporting, community outreach, adoption events, clinics, feeding and much more. Stray Cat Alliance, FixNation, and Kitten Rescue are just a few that could use your help. You can also go to http://www.volunteermatch.org/ to find more opportunities in your area.
4.) Donate to the cause
Already full up on cats? No time to foster or volunteer? Then why not donate to the cause? You can be a hero to a needy kitten for as little as $5 by donating an item to the Kitten Foster Project’s wish list.
5.) Spay and neuter your pets
Here is a math problem for you smarter-than-average cat owners. If a fertile cat can produce up to 3 litters a year, and each litter yields 4-6 kittens, how many potential homeless kittens are born to that cat every year? That IS a problem, and the solution is spay/neuter.
The Michelson Found Animals Foundation’s mission of saving pets and enriching lives is made possible by the generous contributions of Dr. Gary Michelson and Alya Michelson.
