Kitten influx leaves HSOY in need of help

Volunteers, foster families, donations all sought

Once again, the Humane Society of Yuma is overflowing with kittens.

The problem is a tough one to solve, because cats can multiply quite quickly.

In fact, according to the Humane Society of the United States, a cat can become pregnant as young as a few months of age.

And there are three “kitten seasons” each year — spring, late spring/early summer, and fall.

A Georgia Humane Society branch did the math, and found that an average cat has 1-8 kittens per litter, and 2-3 litters a year.

During her lifetime, she could have more than 100 kittens. And a single pair of cats and their kittens could produce as many as 420,000 kittens in just seven years.

Those statistics are staggering.

So back to the Humane Society of Yuma. The agency posted a video recently showing its cages are full of sweet little kittens in need of volunteers, homes and/or foster care.

Volunteers handle a variety of duties, from cleaning cages to socializing kittens to feeding kittens.

People can also become foster families, although that commitment is not one to be taken lightly. There are costs involved, such as kitty litter, food, toys and more, as well as a time commitment. And there’s also an emotional commitment.

Some may require medical care, while others simply need love, support and nutrition, as well as a little conditioning to living in new surroundings.

But the rewards are amazing. These kittens have a lifetime of kitty love to give, and they are simply waiting for the right place to deliver it.

The Humane Society is also in need of donations, such as canned wet food, Ivory Snow liquid dish soap, bleach, non-clumping cat litter, dryer sheets, kitten bottles, blankets, towels, laundry soap, paper towels, Pedialyte, Febreeze, Clorox wipes and Mr. Clean.

To become a foster family, to volunteer, to donate or adopt, give the Humane Society of Yuma a call at 928-782-1621.