As spring brings life anew, Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) is gearing up for an influx of the tiniest and most vulnerable residents: dozens of new-born kittens. According to a recent update on PACC's webpage, the "kitten season" buzz is in full swing at their facilities, hinting at a busy period ahead for the staff and potentially for community fosters.
During this seasonal baby boom, numbers tell a needy tail. In 2023, around 1,600 kittens poured into the shelter before they could fend for themselves. Heading into summer, the shelter has already welcomed several dozen litters and the count is only expected to skyrocket, PACC reports.
Newly separated from their mothers, kittens arrive at PACC fragile and dependent. Those only days old face the harsh truth of vulnerability – unable to maintain body heat or go hours without nourishment. The shelter’s need for fosters spikes, as overnight kenneling poses serious risks to the neonates.
Tackling this caretaking challenge, PACC's arms are wide open to the locals, ready to coach them on nursing these pint-sized patrons to health. Kayleigh Murdock, PACC’s public information officer, shared the joy and the labor of it all. "There is truly nothing like hearing a kitten’s first purr or seeing them learn to play," Murdock stated in a comment. Kayleigh underlines, fostering is labor-intensive but equally sprinkled with moments of tiny triumphs and cuteness overload.
Bonuses tailing the commitment of fostering include first dibs on adopting the fostered felines, a policy surely to pique the interest of potential kitten parents. Moreover, PACC is calling for donations, seeking kitten milk replacement, heating devices, non-clumping litter, and nursing necessities to ensure these little ones thrive. Generosity finds a direct line via an Amazon Wishlist curated by Friends of Pima Animal Care Center, funneling items right where they are most needed.
Interested parties can swing by the shelter at 4000 N. Silverbell Road during its visiting hours, or explore how to contribute by visiting PACC’s web page.
