Kitten capers in Castaic
For the first time, as an unofficial “kickoff” to kitten-adoption season, the Castaic Animal Shelter hosted a kitten shower to let the public see all the cats the shelter has to offer.
The shelter partnered with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or ASPCA, to offer free adoptions for the cats that have been in foster care until they reached 8 weeks old, the age at which they can be adopted, according to Larissa Barnes, a cat volunteer with the shelter.
“Often we bottle-feed those babies from the time they were a few weeks old,” Barnes explained. “The problem with having kittens in foster care is they often don’t get seen by the public. So today we thought we’d bring all our cats from foster care in so the community could meet them and see all our different babies.”
Those who attended had the chance to meet with each of the kittens in person. Some of the kittens acted nervous, latching onto the shirts of any who held them and refusing to let go, but after a while would loosen up and allow the kids and parents to handle them carefully.
“Each of (of the volunteers and staff) take the kittens from the time they are really young and we look after them,” said Barnes. “We have mother cats with newborn babies, kittens that are even too young to be here today, all in foster care.”
Barnes hoped that at least 15 cats, both kittens and adult, would ultimately be adopted during the shower. Though their deal with the ASPCA is ongoing, it could end at any time for those looking to get a cat.
All the cats have had their medical work already finished, including spaying and neutering, vaccinations and microchips, according to Barnes.
The Castaic Animal Shelter is open every day of the week and offers adopts of cats, dogs, reptiles and other animals.