Pima Animal Care Center officials say that breeding season is underway and the public may begin to see litters of kittens throughout the Tucson community. Officials ask that these litters be left in their place.
Even though the kittens may appear alone and unattended, officials say it is normal animal behavior for the mother to leave the litter for periods, according to a news release.
"Mothers rarely abandon their young, but will frequently leave them for extended periods to care for themselves," said Stephanie Stryker, PACC's cat program coordinator. "In some cases, the mother will only come and go to nurse," she said.
In past breeding seasons, community members have dropped off dozens of healthy litters at PACC's shelter because they are not familiar with the mother's behavior, and think the kittens were abandoned, officials said.
However, most shelters, including PACC, do not have the resources to care for infant pets in-house, said officials.
"Newborn and infant kittens require specialized, around-the-clock care that's not sustainable in a shelter setting," Stryker said. "A kitten's best chance at survival is with its mother."
Stryker said before assuming a litter has been abandoned, a person can sprinkle a ring of baking soda around the area and leave for a few hours. Fresh paw prints will indicate the mother cat came back to care for her kittens, she said.
Other considerations include:
- If there is one or two kittens, there is a possibility that the mother is in the process of relocating them. She only can move them one at a time in her mouth.
- It is likely the kittens were recently fed if their bellies are rounded and feel warm and full.
- If the kittens appear sick, for example have an eye or respiratory infections, or diarrhea, then they may need to be removed for treatment.
- Also, if the kittens are injured or in a dangerous place, like near a road, take them to PACC'S shelter, 4000 N. Silverbell Road.
PACC staff need help caring for orphaned kittens that are taken to the shelter, said officials. Volunteer foster parents can assist by bottle feeding kittens and provide specialized care.
A concerned person can also request supplies from the shelter and care for the kittens rather than surrendering them to the shelter, officials said.Β
For more information on becoming an animal foster parent, visit PACC's web site or contact a foster coordinator at pacc.foster@pima.gov
PACC also offers assistance to get free-roaming cats in a person's yard or neighborhood spayed and neutered. The shelter's community cats program can provide information at 724-5269 or email stephanie.stryker@pima.gov
