There has been an increase in the number of kittens born this season and the weather may have something to do with it.  An unusually mild winter, coupled with a warm spring.

The Humane Society of Williamson County (HSWC) has seen an increase in the number of cats and kittens admitted so far this year. This increase has also been experienced by many of the area shelters and rescues. This significant increase in cat and kitten admissions may be attributed to the mild winter enabling cats to produce more litters of kittens this year. The small winter reprieve from the 2011 historic Central Texas drought might have contributed to the sudden increase. More rain gave kittens and cats a better chance of survival.

At present, HSWC has multiple cat condos for adult cats and a dedicated kitten room. In addition, there is a medical isolation room; however, HSWC lacks dedicated space for intaking new kittens to safely prepare them for adoption.  It is vital HSWC move quickly to set up a portable building with a/c, heat, and lighting to offer the arriving kittens the very best in care, accommodation, and chance of finding a loving forever home.

"A portable structure is an inexpensive method to make the most impact to provide all cats and kittens with safe surroundings. The purpose-built portable shelter will be fitted with ventilation and temperature controls which greatly reduce the risk of stress on the cats and kittens, which is a leading cause of respiratory infections. Upon intake, cats are prepared for adoption with vaccines, micro-chipping, and spay/neuter surgery. Kittens too young for surgery will go to a foster family, but while waiting for a foster family to care for them a dedicated intake room is the safest means to prevent the spread of potential infections." said Gina Benner, Assistant Director and manager of animal operations.
The cost for materials for a portable building built by HSWC volunteers would be approximately $4,500. HSWC is appealing to residents in the local community to help contribute to this immediate project need. Making a tax deductible donation to HSWC will immediately help build a better future for the many abandoned and homeless cats and kittens HSWC cares for this summer. HSWC is a private, non-profit, No Kill animal shelter and does not receive any government funding.

Why does a mild winter affect cat populations? A mild winter translates into more opportunities to breed, especially for cats which are often times allowed to wander from their homes. Female cats come into heat every few weeks until they mate and can become pregnant again even if they're nursing kittens. With a gestation period of about two months, a cat could potentially have as many as three litters a year.

"Although it is not fully understood what causes cat populations to leap, the mild winter may very well have been a contributing factor to this year's population of kittens. A warmer winter may have lead to more cats mating earlier and in some cases providing them an opportunity of having more than one litter this year. Spaying or neutering is an important part of the overall process to helping our community deal with pet homelessness. HSWC offers a public low-cost spay/neuter clinic for dogs and cats at a discounted rate. Interested pet owners can find out more information by visiting www.hswc.net." said Ron Marullo, HSWC Executive Director.

To help speed finding forever homes for current cats and kittens temporarily residing at HSWC, there are several adoption promotions taking place. For the month of June, all adult cat adoptions are free, with their adoption fee waived. Kitten adoption fees are lowered to $50 for one kitten or $75 for two kittens. All potential adopters must still complete an approved adoption application.

Donations made be made by calling, mailing a check, or donating online at www.hswc.net/donate. Businesses interested in sponsoring such a project should contact Eran Fehily, Community Relations Manager, at efehily@hswc.net.

About The Humane Society of Williamson County
The Humane Society of Williamson County (HSWC) operates a No Kill animal shelter on 22 acres in Leander, Texas. HSWC’s mission is to provide innovative programs and services to eliminate pet homelessness and to improve the lives of pets and people throughout Central Texas. In 2011, HSWC adopted over 2,280 dogs and cats and spay/neutered over 3,500 animals at their low cost clinic. HSWC is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, celebrating over thirty two years of finding forever homes for deserving pets. HSWC is 100% funded by donations, grants and modest fees for services and receives no government funding. It is located at 10930 E. Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander, Texas. For more information, please visit www.hswc.net.