Manatee County Animal Welfare Seeks Emergency Kitten Fosters During Busy Kitten Season
Manatee County Animal Welfare is urgently seeking foster families as the shelter faces a shortage of available kitten fosters while caring for a room full of young kittens in need of temporary homes.
The kittens, described as “feed and grow” kittens, are too young to be adopted and require foster care until they are old enough to return to the shelter for spay and neuter surgery before being placed for adoption.
Animal Welfare officials said fostering is often easier than many people realize and emphasized that the organization provides supplies, guidance, and ongoing support throughout the process. Foster families are asked to provide a safe space for the kittens, monitor and feed them, and help socialize them with regular care and attention.
Some kittens, particularly bottle-fed babies, may require more frequent feedings depending on their age. Foster caregivers are also encouraged to keep the kittens separated from other household pets during the fostering period.
The shelter is encouraging volunteers, students, retirees, animal lovers, and community members willing to help to consider fostering, noting that even caring for one litter can make a significant impact during the height of kitten season.
Those interested in becoming a foster are encouraged to contact Lauren Tryon at Lauren.Tryon@mymanatee.org or visit the Manatee County Animal Welfare website for additional information.
