Although kittens can be born at any time, most are typically born between April and September. Therefore, this period of time is often given the name 'kitten season'. During this period, an influx of kittens will be born with many coming into the care of animal centres like ours.

 

It is our job to provide round-the-clock care for these kittens to ensure they grow into healthy cats that are able to be rehomed with a loving family. This includes hourly feeds, even through the night. Thankfully, we have a great team of trusted fosterers who will hand-rear any kittens that come into our care without their mother. Although we are thankful for this, we would prefer to eradicate the instances where kittens are abandoned due to being an unwanted litter. 

 

Newborn kittens are cute and cuddly but the costs associated can often come as a surprise. It is important that you consider this before leaving your cat unneutered and running the risk of them becoming pregnant (or impregnating a female). Many rescue centres will already be inundated with kittens over the next few months, so it is important that we all do our part to prevent more unwanted litters entering animal centres and further cat over-population. 

 

The costs of basic health care (like flea and worm treatments and vaccinations) can soon mount up. If these costs become unmanageable, the animal's welfare can suffer. Neutering can be an additional financial burden, but it is worth it to avoid the risks. It is advised that all cats should be neutered at around 4 months of age (but it does dependent on the individual) to prevent costly health problems, and to also prevent more unplanned and unwanted litters. It also stops unneutered male cats straying away from home in search of a female to mate with; unfortunately the majority of cats that get hit by vehicles are unneutered males.

 

Before you plan to own an unneutered cat, consider whether you are in a financial position to ensure they would all be safe and healthy if they were to become pregnant. If not, it would be safer for you to neuter your cat to also avoid them being affected by potentially fatal health issues - like pyometras in females. 

 

As part of our strategy to promote responsible pet ownership, we strongly advise that you have your pet neutered if you haven't already done so. Kittens can become pregnant and give birth whilst still being kittens themselves. This is a lot to ask of their still-developing body, and can cause complications during and after the pregnancy for both mum and the kittens.