The San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) is hosting its annual virtual "kitten shower" to prepare for the peak season of newborn and abandoned kittens, which can total in the thousands. Community members are invited to contribute supplies or monetary donations, which will be matched up to $20,000 by the William Hall Tippett and Ruth Rathell Tippett Foundation.
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The SDHS has set up an online registry on platforms like Amazon, Target, and Walmart, where supporters can purchase essential items such as kitten formula, bottles, heating pads, and scales. All donated supplies will be shipped directly to the humane society.
In the previous year, SDHS reported caring for 5,438 kittens under 8 weeks old, many of whom required intensive care as they were just days old. The organization anticipates similar numbers this year.
"Kitten season always brings an influx of vulnerable animals who rely entirely on people for their survival," said Aileen Pantoja, associate director of nursery and foster at SDHS.
Since the establishment of the nation's first 24-hour kitten nursery in 2009, the San Diego Humane Society has expanded its neonatal animal care initiatives. This includes providing specialized care for fragile kittens and support for foster volunteers who look after them at home.