Officials at the North Bay and District Humane Society say they‘re being pushed to the limit because of a recent influx of kittens. The humane society is desperately seeking pet lovers willing to welcome a new feline family member into their homes. “We’re ready with our imaginary fire hoses to put out the kitten season fire,” said shelter manager Janet Bredin. Cat and kitten season is a particularly challenging time for the shelter, Bredin said. There is a shortage of accessible and affordable spay and neuter services in northern Ontario, with many more kittens expected to arrive in the next few months. “We’ve got people on standby, rescues and agencies in southern Ontario that are able to help with fostering and with the influx of animals,” Bredin said. “We are a little better prepared.” The humane society typically has 20-30 kittens in its care at any given time, in addition to adult cats. Bredin said many kittens and their moms come into the shelter in fragile health, including with respiratory concerns and internal and external parasites. Feral cats that are brought in are highly stressed and at higher risk for birthing complications, including premature birth and abandoning their kittens after they deliver. In addition to caring for the kittens, staff and volunteers spend a lot of time socializing them so they grow into healthy, strong, confident pets who make loving additions to families. All these demands mean staff, fosters, volunteers and veterinary resources are heavily taxed during kitten season. “In addition to receiving large numbers of kittens at unpredictable times, many of them are unwell and require veterinary services as well as extensive support from our foster families,” said Liam Cullin, executive director of the North Bay and District Humane Society. The humane society stresses the spay and neuter message and that if someone finds a litter of kittens, do not touch or pick them up, as their mother is likely nearby and she is their best caregiver. Instead, call the humane society. “Especially ones that are small with their eyes closed, they are not able to live without mom,” Bredin said. “It could be life or death for them.” Pet parent guide Pet Valu’s New Pet Parent Guide provides advice on life-stage feeding and how to transition foods safely, basics on bathing, nail trimming, and dental health, tips for the prime socialization window (the first three to 16 weeks), house-training strategies, reminders for vaccination schedules, flea/tick prevention, spaying/neutering and more. “We’ve seen first-hand the invaluable work the North Bay and District Humane Society does during kitten season and year-round and we’re very proud to have provided Companions for Change™ sponsorships which have helped fund the North Bay Rescue & Relief Transport and the Pet Valu Companions for Change Adoption and Wellness Centre,” said Idan Driman, vice-president of marketing at Pet Valu. “We’re now pleased to provide our New Pet Parent Guide to all pet parents who adopt a pet from the North Bay and District Humane Society to help them navigate life with their new pet.” Pet lovers interested in welcoming a new cat or kitten should visit the Main Street West shelter and start the adoption process. Cats and kittens looking for homes can also be viewed here.
