It’s that time of the year when the feral cats’ kittens begin scampering along out busy roads, causing worry and a need for trapping and tagging.
According to the Cat Care Society, kitten births typically occur from March to October, peaking in May and June due to longer daylight hours triggering heat cycles. Gestation lasts 63-65 days, and typical litters contain 4-6 kittens. A single female cat can produce multiple litters per season.
To help home kittens without a permanent commitment, the Lake County Florida Animal Shelter is presenting a Fosterology 101 class at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15.
What is Fosterology 101?
According to a county media release, “Kitten season brings an influx of young cats to shelters, increasing the need for foster families to provide temporary homes and care. Fosterology 101 is designed to teach residents how to safely and successfully foster kittens, helping give the cats a strong start before adoption.”
Residents who attend the class will learn about the shelter’s kitten foster program, basic care techniques and other ways to help save kittens during the busy season.
The class, incidentally, is required for all high school students seeking to earn community service hours through fostering. A parent or guardian must attend with any participating student.
Most importantly, Fosterology 101 is free to attend and is open to anyone interested in fostering animals.
“Kitten season is one of our busiest times of the year,” said Whitney Boylston, director of the Office of Animal Services, in the county’s release.
“Fostering gives these tiny, vulnerable kittens a safe place to grow and thrive, while helping us make room for even more animals in need. When our residents step up to foster, they’re saving lives right here in the community.”
How do you register?
To sign up or learn more about fostering opportunities, visit lakecountyfl.gov/animal-shelter/foster
Other ways to help
Donations of linens are appreciated. You can drop off gently used towels, blankets, throws and sheets.
If you can’t foster, spend some time with Lake County’s adorable shelter pets at the shelter. Volunteers play an important role in helping the animals in their care find their forever homes. Every cuddle, walk, and play session helps their animals feel safe, socialized, and loved. Learn about how to become a special part of furbabies’ adoption story at lakecountyfl.gov/animal-shelter/volunteer
Learn about when to intervene and when to leave a litter alone at lakecountyfl.gov/animal-shelter/kitten-season
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Kitten season is here. Learn how to foster in Lake County
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
