RSPCA ACT has already received its first pregnant cat, ahead of the usual start of the annual kitten season, and with the ACT animal shelter already near capacity, it’s calling on the community to come together to navigate the season successfully. 

In particular, RSPCA ACT says it needs more neonatal foster carers.

It has more than 240 feline foster carers on its books, but only a handful of neonatal carers, so an outside-work hours information session has been scheduled on Tuesday, September 24 at 5.30pm for potential neonatal carers to learn precisely what is involved.

“Neonatal kittens are the cutest, but they take the most effort to raise because you have to bottle feed them around the clock and teach them how to groom and go to the toilet,” says CEO Michelle Robertson.

“Having said that, our current neonatal carers get immense joy from seeing kittens, who at first have almost zero chance of growing up, turned into loving, affectionate pets who bring their owners love and joy. It’s a wonderful feeling.

“We’ve always relied on the community to help us through kitten season but this year we want to be even more prepared, wiser and ready to help as many cats and kittens as possible.

“We know it’s going to be busy but we’re confident that with a strategic approach, more knowledge and admittedly, more neonatal foster carers, we believe as a team, our animal-loving community can come together to best help and care for the potential over 2000 cats and kittens we’re expecting to see.

RSPCA ACT wants people to be aware that there may be surprising meows from drains, bushes or backyards, and to make the right decision when it happens.

“The first thing we want people to do is contact us and we will give you as much advice as we can to help you. Please don’t go trying to catch a protective mum and her kittens,” says Michelle.

“Every scenario is different and, believe it or not, if you see a mum raising her kittens in a relatively safe place, for at least a short period of time, that might be the best place for them.

“The main point here is to be aware that cats are giving birth in the ACT and if you see them, please call us before you do anything.”

Reserve a place in the neonatal foster care information session at rspca-act.org.au