It's Kitten Season at Animal Haven

Liz Gallagher, president of The Animal Haven, says that this is kitten season, the time of year that unspayed cats give birth to kittens.

As a result, The Animal Haven, a no-kill shelter on Mill Road in North Haven, has an abundance of kittens ready for adoption. There are about 100 in all. They have been spayed or neutered and have had their required vaccinations. The shelter charges a $125 adoption fee.

Gallagher notes that a lack of knowledge and a lack of funds often leads to an abundance of animals that are not spayed or neutered and she stresses the importance of the procedures to help control the population of animals such as cats.

While Gallagher and the staff at The Animal Haven hope residents will want to adopt a kitten, they also seek donations of kitten food to help them care for these animals at the shelter. Gallagher said they are looking for bags of dry kitten food.

"Kitten food is slightly higher in fat than cat food," explained Gallagher. "Kittens need more fat in their diet."

The shelter will also accept donations of cat toys. In addition, cleaning supplies are needed, such as paper towels, window cleaner, bleach, and laundry detergent with bleach alternative added.

For people who want to donate their time to help the kittens, they can participate in a foster kitten program. The program requires a three-month commitment during which people provide a home for a mother cat and her kittens. The shelter provides food and litter for the stay.

When these animals stay at a family's home for those three months, it frees up space in the shelter for other animals and allows the kittens to spend their first months away from the potential exposure of various diseases and illnesses (like respiratory infections). Kittens need vaccines at eight weeks and at 12 weeks. Foster families have to sign an agreement that states they will take care of the animals and will bring the kittens back to the shelter for their eight-week vaccinations.

While Gallagher appreciates the foster families that take care of the kittens, she is also appreciative of the entire community that helps The Animal Haven.

"I want to thank the North Haven community for being so supportive of The Animal Haven. Without them, we wouldn't be here," she said.