Kitten season is the time of year when many cats begin giving birth. Kittens are undeniably adorable; however, hundreds of homeless kittens create a significant challenge. Even with all the rescue work that we do through our Community Cats Program, as well as all of the cats that we sterilize on an annual basis, there will still be hundreds of kittens born in Chicago this year.
Kitten Rescue and Neonatal Care – Challenging, Costly…Rewarding
While rescuing kittens is challenging and costly, we are dedicated to saving these helpless animals. At Tree House, we have the capabilities and expertise to care for and rescue kittens at a very young age. We also rely heavily on the commitment of Tree House foster parents who provide the dedicated attention the kittens need until they can be admitted into our kitten room for adoption.
While kitten rescue presents many challenges and is costly – the rewards of giving these helpless animals a chance at a happy life is more than worth it!
Sick and Very Pregnant – Saving Cassie Claire and Her Kittens
Cassie Claire and her kittens (pictured here – see more of their adorable photos) are just one example of the thousands of cats and kittens we will rescue this year. Cassie was ill and very pregnant when she wandered into the home of an elderly man on Chicago’s south side. She was in obvious distress, and he knew she needed help. He had called several shelters but was unable to find assistance. That’s when he called Tree House. Our Community Cats Program Coordinator, Erica, could hear the desperation in his voice and knew she needed to help.
Cassie Claire was incredibly friendly and immediately came up to Erica when she arrived, as if knowing she was there for her. Suffering from a severe upper respiratory infection (URI), Cassie was taken to our Bucktown Branch Clinic where she began treatment. Thankfully, we were able to find a foster home for her where she could receive more individual attention. Fortunately, we rescued Cassie just in time, and she gave birth a couple of days later. The kittens have grown up fast and several were recently moved to our kitten adoption room at our Uptown Headquarters. Watch their video from birth to 9 weeks old!
Saving the Tiniest Stray Cats
Often times, kittens younger than six weeks old are euthanized at crowded traditional shelters and animal control centers; they simply lack the adequate resources to rescue and care for them. This year, we have been overwhelmed with the number of homeless kittens that need our care, yet we believe that every cat deserves a chance at a happy and healthy life and are committed to rescuing the tiniest strays.
Our New Program to Save Orphaned Bottle-Baby Kittens from Needless Euthanasia
A sad reality of kitten season is that Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) typically euthanizes bottle-baby kittens the same evening that they arrive. We wanted to find a better solution and developed the Kitten on Deck Program to help save these kittens and end their needless euthanasia.
At-risk, unweaned kittens who arrive at CACC without their mothers will be transferred by Tree House out of CACC. Some will be fostered by Tree House volunteers and admitted to one of our adoption centers. Others will go to our Transfer Partners (a network of rescue groups and shelters that we screen and approve for the program). All kittens will come with a “Kitten Kit” including supplies and care instructions. Plus, we will be hosting bottle-baby workshops and even offering a deeply discounted “CACC Transfer Care Package” to our partners for services at our Bucktown Branch Clinic.
Saving More than 1,000 Kittens this Season!
We anticipate that, with these combined efforts, we’ll save more than 1,000 kittens this year. It is thanks to support from people like you that we are able to continue our work to save the tiniest stray cats!
Our $65,000 Kitten Rescue Goal
This year we have a large goal to help cover the costs of rescuing these kittens. You can help Cassie and her kittens, and the many kittens like them by helping us reach our $65,000 Kitten Rescue Goal. Give your gift today>>
Become a Foster Parent
Another great way to get involved is to become a foster parent. We are in desperate need of foster parents for kittens. To learn more about our foster parent program and how you can get involved, email Ollie@TreeHouseAnimals.org
Posted by Kristine A.
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