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2023 Spring Kitten Season is underway right ‘meow’

The 2023 Spring Kitten Season officially kicked off on April 1, and it can last until early winter.

Post Date:04/07/2023 2:49 PM

While kittens are born year-round, most of them are born right ‘meow,’ during this time period.

Last April, Clay County Animal Services took in 86 stray kittens.

Below are some important topics to keep in mind.


Don’t be a “kit-napper”

If you’ve found a litter of kittens, you can follow these simple steps to figure out what you should do next, and avoid separating kittens from their mother.

 

1. Are the kittens injured or critically sick?
 YES  Call Clay County Animal Services at (904) 529-4107.
 NO

 Estimate the age of the kittens.
                         ↓
0-2 weeks: Eyes are closed, or barely open.
2-4 weeks: Eyes are open and alert. They are becoming mobile.
4-6 weeks: Very mobile and often talkative. They can eat food.
6-8 weeks: Very active and playful. They are around 1-2 pounds.
8+ weeks: Very active and playful. They are 2 pounds or more.

 

 

2. Can you see the mom cat or a nest?
YES                  Don't kit-nap! A kitten's best chance of survival with their mom. Leave the kittens where the are. If you want to help, make sure mom has access to shelter, food, and water. Contact Clay County Animal Services about TNVR options to have the mom and kittens fixed when ready.
 NO   

Are you sure? Mom may be off hunting or not want to come around if people are near. Keep an eye out for her to come back for a few hours.

Here's a tip: Leave a ring of flour around the kittens. Check in a few hours if you see mom's footprints in the flour.

 

 

3.  Still no mom?
If the kittens are six weeks or older, and they're friendly, use social media and your personal network to try and find a home for them. Check with local clinics or spay/neuter options. Remember to include the mom and dad cat to help stop the cycle.

If you are stepping in to assist, you are assuming the responsibility to provide care and raise the kittens. Check with Clay County Animal Services and your veterinarian for support, resources, and options to help you in caring for the kittens.

 

Join our "Kitten Crew" by fostering

Volunteer holding an orange tabby cat

By fostering a cat or kitten, you can be a part of our "Kitten Crew" and give Clay County Animal Services the opportunity to help another feline that comes to the shelter.

Students can also make a "paw-sitive" impact and earn volunteer hours for fostering with Clay County Animal Services.

To join our “Kitten Crew” and foster a cat or kitten, you can email clayfosters@claycountygov.com.


Browse our “Certified, Pre-Owned Cats”

View all of our adoptable cats and kittens by visiting the Clay County Animal Services Adoptable Cats webpage.

Certified, Pre-Owned cats flyer includes photos of cats and kittens next to slogans and phrases typically used to market cars such as overstocked inventory and new 2023 models

Check out our Amazon wishlist

Even if you're unable to adopt or foster, you can still help by donating much-needed items that save lives, and keep our animals happy and healthy.

View our Amazon Wishlist here:https://amzn.to/41ukCo0.


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