Help Save Lives: Manatee County Seeks Foster Homes for Kittens!

Manatee County, USA - It’s that time of year again! The spring brings not only blooming flowers and warmer weather but also a wave of tiny paws and whiskers — yes, it’s kitten season. In Manatee County, the local animal shelter is reaching out to the community for much-needed foster homes due to an overwhelming influx of kitten arrivals. As Carol Felts, the Manatee County District 1 Commissioner, points out, fostering is a lifeline for these vulnerable animals, and every little bit helps save lives.

Kittens at Bishop Animal Shelter receive essential medical care and are kept safe until they can find a loving foster home. These temporary guardians care for the kittens just long enough for them to be healthy enough for spaying or neutering, after which they are transferred to Cat Town for adoption. The best part? The fostering process is described as straightforward and flexible. The shelter provides all necessary supplies and medical care at no cost, so fostering mainly requires your time and affection — a small price to pay for helping these little furballs.

The Urgent Need for Foster Families

This call for foster families aligns with a broader trend during kitten season, when warmer months see a significant surge in kitten rescues. Reports indicate that around 1.5 million kittens enter U.S. shelters annually, primarily peaking during May and June. Many shelters are stretched thin, lacking the resources for around-the-clock care that these fragile creatures require. Hannah Shaw, famously known as the Kitten Lady, emphasizes that fostering mainly takes „time and love,“ as most shelters cover food, supplies, and medical expenses.

The statistics speak volumes about the urgency of this situation. Approximately 38% of the kittens entering U.S. shelters are five months old or younger, but this population faces daunting survival challenges. While 82% of kittens may find adoptive homes, a shocking 11% do not survive their time in care or are euthanized. With every fostering opportunity, families can help bridge the gap for these kittens, giving them a fighting chance towards adoption.

• There are an estimated 3,500 brick-and-mortar shelters in the U.S.
• About 10,000 rescue groups and animal sanctuaries are active across North America.
• In 2022 alone, 2.9 million companion animals were taken in by shelters.

Many local shelters, including the Manatee County Animal Welfare, are looking to bolster their fostering capacity this summer. With the community’s compassion shining through, Dr. Syna Johnson, the medical director at MCAW, is optimistic about the support residents can lend, whether by fostering, adopting, or even donating goods and funds.

How You Can Help