Beltsville Community Cats (BCC) is gearing up for kitten season and, although we have been hard at work with our Trap, Neuter Vaccinate, Return (TNVR) program, we know there will be many kittens born in the coming months. Each year in this area unaltered cats can have 2 to 3 litters with 2 to 6 kittens in each litter. And kittens as young as 5 months old can get pregnant! Well over 50 percent of kittens born outside die before they are a year old. Our experience has taught us that kittens under 10 weeks old are generally able to be socialized and adopted as happy indoor cats. While BCC is not able to take all kittens brought to our attention, we try to rescue as many young kittens as possible.
Our kitten rescue program is possible only because of our network of approved foster homes. BCC is indebted to these volunteers whose dedication and devotion made it possible for us to rescue over half of the 1,150+ cats and kittens that BCC trapped between March 2019 and December 2022.
In preparation for the 2023 kitten season, BCC is seeking compassionate residents in Beltsville and the surrounding areas to join our foster home network. We need foster homes that can care for kitties for several weeks to several months and to provide short-term care while kitties are recovering from surgery and while foster parents are on vacation.
Fostering is great for people who live alone, telework, or simply spend a lot of time at home. Involving older children in fostering is good for both the kitties and the young person. Growing up around animals and participating in their care often helps a child grow into a kind and compassionate adult. Several BCC foster homes claim that fostering was critical in maintaining their children’s mental health during COVID.
For the person that loves cats but is not ready for a long-term commitment, fostering is a good alternative to adopting. You can enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you provided a safe haven for a cat or kittens in need while you explore your interest in owning a cat.
Interested in learning more about how you can help BCC through the challenge of the upcoming kitten season? You may email rescue@beltsvillecats.net or complete the application to foster online at: http://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/foster/BCC/Cat.
Even if you are not interested in volunteering for BCC, please be aware of what is going on in your neighborhood. Report free-roaming cats that are not ear-tipped. Ear-tipping is the universal sign that a free-roaming cats has been sterilized and vaccinated. If you see kittens, contact BCC immediately so that someone can visit and determine the best course of action for that litter of kittens.
Thinking about adopting a furry family member, check out the kitties BCC has available for adoption at: https://www.petfinder.com/member/us/md/beltsville/beltsville-community-cats-md506/.