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It’s kitten season at the Guelph Humane Society (GHS), but the organization is pleased to announce it is receiving a $25,000 grant to help cover the costs of caring for the influx of little felines expected over the next few months.
The grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada will be used to offset costs associated with the care of approximately 400 kittens expected to arrive at the local humane society between the spring and fall, a news release said.
Kitten-care costs include spay and neuter surgeries and vaccinations, as well as facilitating adoptions.
“Kitten season is a busy time for every shelter environment,” GHS associate director Lisa Veit, said in the release.
“Our capacity to care for kittens has doubled since the move to our brand new facility, and this generous grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada will allow GHS to invest in some key areas to help more kittens get adopted successfully.”
One of those key areas is enrichment, the release said.
Whether in the shelter or in a foster home, the goal is to house kittens with other kittens for socialization and play.
“In our new building, our cat rooms and adjustable cat portals are equipped with larger spaces that give us the ability to house kittens with other kittens,” says Veit.
“Having at least one known kitten companion is a strong form of enrichment, providing companionship, a playmate, cuddle buddy and general company. In foster homes, we plan to pair solo kittens up together to encourage socialization.”
A fostering manual will also be developed to provide kitten fosterers with best practice approaches and more effective socialization, hopefully leading to faster adoption rates.
“We are thrilled to support GHS’s efforts to help more kittens get adopted at such a busy time in the year and proactively reduce the homeless pet population throughout the area,” Petsmart Charities adoption grants manager Charlotte Palmer said, in the release.
“This work and GHS’s new building will help even more pets find loving homes, while freeing up space for additional pets in need.”
The first kitten of the season arrived at GHS on April 21. He was bottle-fed by staff, and was quickly moved into a foster home with other cats until he is ready to be neutered and then adopted.
Once kittens are ready for adoption, they are placed on the organization’s ‘Available Animals’ webpage, where contactless adoptions continue.
Those interested in adopting a kitten are encouraged to keep an eye on www.guelphhumane.ca/adopt/available-animals over the coming months.
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