Humane Society of Yuma preparing for kitten season

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - It's kitten season in Yuma, and the Humane Society of Yuma (HSOY) says it's one of the busiest and most critical times of the year.

So far, about 85 kittens have already come into the shelter. While many are in foster care, staff say their foster volunteers are starting to feel overwhelmed.

This year, the shelter has a clear goal: no healthy kitten entering the shelter will be euthanized. But they say reaching that goal will take help from the community.

There are several ways to get involved. People can adopt, foster kittens, or volunteer with the shelter's "Kitten Squad" to help care for newborns.

No prior experience is needed and training will be provided, according to HSOY.

They're also reminding people to be careful when they find kittens outside. In many cases, the mother cat is still nearby, even if she's not immediately visible.

Staff say well-meaning people often bring kittens in thinking they've been abandoned, when they may actually be better off staying where they are so their mother can care for them.

HSOY is also asking for supplies, which can include the following:

• Heating pads
• KMR (kitten milk replacer) formula
• Baby wipes
• Miracle nipples

Monetary donations can be made here.

If you are interested in fostering, please contact Paige at pbrooke@hsoyuma.com and or register at https://hsoyuma.com/fostering-a-pet.html.