JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Humane Society, Animal Care & Protective Service and First Coast No More Homeless Pets are on a mission to rally the community’s support to save kittens' lives.
With kitten season upon us, these organizations are eager to share the purr-fect advice on how to lend a paw if you stumble upon a litter of kittens.
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Kitten season is the time of year when unaltered cats reproduce at a rapid rate, leading to a flood of kittens in the community.
In 2024, JHS and ACPS took in 6,252 kittens under five months old, while JHS’s Kitten Krusaders program saved an additional 921 kittens. This purr-suasive initiative encourages community members to foster kittens they find, rather than whisking them away to shelters, by providing no-cost veterinary care.
For several years, JHS, ACPS, and FCNMHP have been spreading the word with their “Don’t Kitnap” campaign.
This message advises people to “paws” and think before intervening, as kittens' best chance of survival is often with their mother cat.
This year, the groups are evolving the message with the CASA method, created by Hannah Shaw, the “Kitten Lady,” an award-winning kitten rescuer and author.
When you find a litter of kittens, it’s natural to want to swoop in and rescue them.
However, JHS, ACPS, and FCNMHP encourage using the CASA method to assess the situation and determine the best course of action:
- C: Condition
- If the kitten looks well-fed, clean, and healthy, a mother cat is likely nearby. These kittens don’t need human intervention.
- If the kitten is skinny, cold, dirty, or appears unwell, it’s appropriate to intervene.
- For medical emergencies, such as difficulty breathing or open wounds, contact ACPS at 904-630-2489 or through the MyJax app.
- A: Age
- Young kittens are best left with their mother if they appear in good condition.
- Older kittens may not need intervention unless they’re in danger or unwell.
- S: Situation
- Evaluate if the kitten is in a safe environment with access to food and shelter before intervening.
- A: Ability
- Consider your ability to help. Can you or someone you know foster the kitten? Recognize your capacity and abilities for the best outcome.
The CASA method is designed to help the community make informed decisions and save lives.
Underage kittens are the most vulnerable in shelters, often needing foster homes immediately. Additionally, leaving the mother cat behind can lead to more kittens in the future.
“We are so proud of our kind and compassionate community and their dedication to helping save kitten lives,” said Lawrence Nicolas, JHS CEO. “If we can work together to share the ‘CASA’ method with our friends and neighbors, we can collectively do what is best for these little ones and continue to serve the animals who have nowhere else to turn. Together, we can save countless lives this kitten season in Jacksonville!”
Community members can help spread the CASA message by sharing the JHS Facebook post or downloading and sharing the CASA flowchart in their neighborhoods.
Volunteers are also needed for all three organizations.
For more information, visit jaxhumane.org/kittenhelp.
