Overwhelmed by kittens, Beatrice Humane Society urges adoption and fostering

BEATRICE, Neb. (KLKN) – The Beatrice Humane Society says it can’t keep up with the rising intake of kittens as “kitten season” comes into effect.

Feline breeding season, known as “kitten season,” generally takes place from March through October but varies across the country, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The humane society is seeing an influx of kittens and is urging people to foster and/or adopt.

Manager Carlee Fiddes said the shelter has an “amazing foster community” but is unable to keep up with growing numbers.

“I just put out a plea two days ago for 35 kittens, and I’ve got almost over half of those in foster homes just two days later,” Fiddes said.

She emphasized that adoption rates continue to increase but that the stream of kittens has created a “greater need.”

“Whether or not through strays, whether or not that’s through owner surrenders, or whether or not that’s through transfer, we have an increased need for care for animals,” Fiddes said.

The shelter has 60 kittens being fostered, but over 70 are still in need of temporary housing.

“We are almost at our shelter maximum for the year,” Fiddes said.

“Usually over the course of the summer, we usually have between 100 and 150 cats, and I think right now we’re sitting at about 120.”

Fiddes says that number can be expected to continue to go up.

“That number is going to keep increasing as we get into the worst of the kitten season,” she said.

If fostered, kittens will remain in the care of a foster parent until a home is found, or until they’re old enough to return to the shelter.

The humane society will also provide supplies when you sign up online to foster a furry friend.