Battersea is urging people to bring unwanted and abandoned kittens, litters and pregnant cats to rescues as kitten season ramps up.
During the summer months, Battersea often sees a higher number of pregnant cats and kittens coming through the doors of their three centres, an annual trend known as ‘kitten season’.
Kittens may need a new home when their owners’ circumstances change
When a family bought Baymax last month, they fell in love with their new pet immediately. Sadly, it quickly became clear that family members were allergic to him. After calling the Cattery team to talk through their options, an appointment was made and the nine week old tabby was brought to the charity’s London centre, where he was cared for, assessed and matched with a suitable new home.
Tiny kittens are sometimes abandoned by their mum 
Little Locky was only a few days old when a member of the public spotted him all alone in his garden. After speaking to a vet, the gentleman bought special kitten milk formula, placed Locky in a box for shelter and left him in the garden to see if his mother would return. When there was no sign of mum, Battersea were contacted, and they arranged for the abandoned kitten to stay with one of their foster carers. In the safety of a home with someone trained to care for young cats, Locky was hand-reared and cared for until he was old enough to go to a new permanent home.
Battersea can help pregnant cats with nowhere to go
When stray tabby Etna was about to give birth, she decided that the safest place to do so would be in a stranger’s house. Luckily, the owner of the house allowed Etna to make herself at home. Less than 24 hours later, five kittens were born. The kind stranger contacted Battersea’s Old Windsor cattery and liaised with staff to ensure the kittens and mum were comfortable until they could be brought to the centre. Once the kittens were old enough, they parted ways to go on their new adventures and mum Etna went to her new home to enjoy some well-deserved peace and quiet.
JoAnna Puzzo, Battersea’s Feline Welfare Manager, said: “We often see more pregnant cats and litters in the summer months, which we call ‘kitten season’, and we want the public to know that Battersea is here to take those kittens in if they have nowhere else to go.”
Although it can be incredibly tempting to rush over and ‘rescue’ a kitten or group of kittens if you spot them outside, it’s better to monitor them to see if their mother returns. Likewise, if there’s a cat that appears homeless, ask around the area first to check it really is a stray. It is important to first know what to do and who can help you.
JoAnna added: “We would urge anyone in need of help or guidance to contact us and we’ll be more than happy to help in any way we can. There’s never any judgement – if you can’t care for them, bringing them to a rescue like Battersea is the most responsible decision. They’ll be cared for and loved, and you’re giving them the best chance of finding a new happy home.”
You can find out more about kitten season, what to do if you find yourself with an unwanted kitten and why bringing them to Battersea is the responsible choice, on the website www.battersea.org.uk/cats/kitten-season.
