Spring is kitten season and tiny, orphaned newborn kittens need round-the-clock care to stay alive. Miami-Dade County Animal Services (Animal Services) is recruiting foster parents to help care for and feed the very young kittens abandoned at the shelter.
Animal Services’ new Kitten Cuddlers program provides training on bottle feeding and the general care of newborn kittens. Kitten Cuddlers also receive newborn kitten care kits that include heating pads, feeding bottles and kitten milk replacer. The kittens will be scheduled for veterinary visits to receive booster vaccines and general wellness care until they reach adoption age.
“Abandoned newborn kittens are an unfortunate right of spring and we need the help of the community,” said Alex Muñoz, Director of Miami-Dade Animal Services. ”Engaging and empowering the community to play an active role is a key component of our lifesaving efforts.”
When kittens are adoption ready, they’ll find new homes through one of Animal Services’ many lifesaving programs and events, like HOPE Express adoption events, the Petco Adoption Center in partnership with Miami-Dade Animal Services in South Miami, adoptions at designated Petsmart locations or they may even head north to adoption guaranteed centers through the transport program.
To become a Kitten Cuddler Foster parent, email asdfoster@miamidade.gov and write “Kitten Cuddler” in the subject line. Training sessions will take place the second and fourth Sundays of every month beginning in April. Kitten Cuddlers will receive kitten care supplies and the joy that comes from saving a precious little animal’s life.
You can view tips on what to do if you find an unattended litter of kittens.
For more information, visit animals.miamidade.gov or call 3-1-1.
