Woodgreen prepares team for kitten season
With kitten season now upon us, the time of year when cats typically give birth, the team at Woodgreen Pets Charity are on hand. Owners faced with unexpected cat pregnancies are encouraged to get in touch with Woodgreen for support – including free advice and financial help to cover the cost of pet care for anyone unable to continue caring for their pets, or stray cats in their area.
One distressed owner called Woodgreen for help in April when three of their five cats fell pregnant at the same time. The charity quickly stepped in to arrange maternity foster care for the three pregnant cats, named Sheba, Nala and Leilo, to ensure they receive specialist care during pregnancy, birth and the kittens’ critical first few weeks. Once the kittens are old enough to be matched with loving new homes, they will all be neutered in order to stop the cycle of unexpected breeding. The mums will also be neutered, and returned to their original owner.
During lockdown, access to non-essential veterinary care has been limited, meaning many young cats – like Sheba, Nala and Leilo – have not been neutered and may now be pregnant. Whilst some owners will be equipped and excited to welcome a litter into their home, it’s a challenging and expensive undertaking – with cats and newborn kittens requiring not only vaccinating but round-the-clock monitoring, feeding, adequate socialising to get them used to people, and rehoming once they reach eight weeks of age. For anyone not prepared to take on the challenge, Wood Green’s team is available.
In addition to the charity’s on-site facilities, Woodgreen has a network of foster carers who specialise in pregnant cats and kittens. Michelle Hurley, one of Woodgreen’s volunteers, has created a purpose-built ‘cat room’ especially for her foster cats. The recently completed space features a private birthing area, cosy beds, a speaker with soothing music and a plethora of things for the cats to climb and scratch – in addition to a custom designed Aristocats graffiti wall.
Michelle said: “During lockdown, we made the decision to buy our own house, and it had to include a dedicated room for our foster cats. We found our dream home in September 2020 and planning for the cat room began, with daily deliveries to make the vision come to life. The cats at Wood Green don’t always have the best start, so if we can offer a little comfort and luxury, it will all be worth it. We pour everything we have into the cats in our care, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!”
If you need help with any aspect of pet care – for example stray pets in your area, unexpected pregnancies or kittens, a pet behavioural problem or a pet that you are no longer able to care for, please contact the friendly team at Woodgreen for guidance and support. Call 0300 303 9333 or visit woodgreen.org.uk.