Each spring, animal shelters prepare for kitten season—the yearly influx of newborn felines caused by warmer weather and extended daylight. Between May and November, over half of all feline shelter intakes are kittens under eight weeks old. Unlike older cats, these infants demand constant, hands-on attention that already overburdened shelters frequently lack the capacity or resources to supply. Fostering offers a rescue route for these fragile animals, and it is far more straightforward and available to join than many realize.
The majority of shelters and rescue groups provide education, supplies, veterinary treatment, and mentorship to their foster families. “Foster to adopt” options also allow households to experience pet ownership before making a final decision. All that is required is a desire to assist.
Since 2002, via its Food, Shelter & Love program, Hill’s Pet Nutrition has assisted over 16 million pet adoptions and contributed more than $300 million worth of Hill’s pet food to animal shelters across the country.
Hannah Shaw, known as “Kitten Lady,” an animal rescuer and bestselling author, partnered with Hill’s Pet Nutrition to address several key questions about how fostering and proper nutrition can create real change—and how families at home can get involved:
What exactly is ‘kitten season’ and why does this period place such heavy strain on shelters?
Kitten season refers to the period when warmer weather and longer days trigger a sharp rise in kitten births. Unfortunately, a large number of these kittens end up at local animal shelters that may lack the means to care for them on‑site.
Many are very young and fragile, needing round‑the‑clock attention. This is why foster families are so essential. By taking kittens into their homes for a few weeks, foster parents deliver the care, nutrition, and socialization they require until they reach adoption age—usually around eight weeks old.
What do kittens need most during their early stages, especially with regard to nutrition?
A kitten like Pup, for example, was only a few hours old when I brought him home. At that age, he needed intensive care, including bottle‑feeding every few hours, warmth, and constant monitoring.
When kittens enter their second month, they become far more playful, energetic, and curious. They also begin learning to eat solid food, and here foster families can make a huge difference. Foster parents help guide kittens through weaning—whether by spoon‑feeding, hand‑feeding, or encouraging them to eat independently.
It is crucial to offer kittens both wet and dry food that is specially formulated for their developmental stage. Kitten‑specific nutrition supplies the essential nutrients they need to grow, thrive, and build a foundation for a long, healthy life.
What difference does fostering make, and what is required to become a foster parent?
The impact of fostering is immense. It gives vulnerable kittens a lifeline, providing the care and support they need to reach adoption age and eventually find loving, permanent homes.
The great news is that no prior experience is necessary to become a foster parent. Local animal shelters and rescue organizations offer training, advice, and continuous support to help you succeed. They will supply you with the knowledge, resources, and mentorship needed to care for kittens every step of the way.
Another important point is that fostering does not have to cost you anything. When you foster through a local shelter, they typically cover veterinary care, supplies, and other essentials.
How do programs like Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love assist shelters and help more pets find homes?
If you foster through a Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love partner shelter, you will also receive high‑quality kitten food, so you have no out‑of‑pocket expenses for nutrition. This lets foster families focus on what truly matters: giving kittens the time, care, and love they need to flourish.
The Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program is making a remarkable impact in communities nationwide. The program has backed more than 16 million pet adoptions and donated over $300 million worth of Hill’s brand pet foods to shelters across the country.
Importantly, this support extends beyond shelter pets into foster homes as well. Through participating shelters, foster families receive Hill’s Science Diet kitten wet and dry food, ensuring kittens get the complete and balanced nutrition they need during the critical weaning stage and throughout their development.
Having access to that nutritional support takes a major burden off foster parents and helps set kittens up for a healthy future.
To find a participating shelter near you and learn more about fostering, visit HillsPet.com/Shelter.
About YourUpdateTV:
YourUpdateTV is a property of D S Simon Media. The video included and released was part of a media tour produced by D S Simon Media on behalf of Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
Michael O’Donnell
D S Simon Media
212-736-2727
modonnell@dssimon.com
A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b92de19c-23d0-41a0-97c1-c23bb4fc8c50
