‘Kitten Season’ Continues to Overload Local Animal Shelters

Fairport, N.Y. (October 17, 2024) – Lollypop Farm takes in numerous cats and kittens each year through the spring and summer months. However, this kitten season has been particularly intense and shows no signs of slowing down. As of yesterday, Lollypop Farm is currently caring for 623 animals, out of which 302 are cats and another 162 are kittens.

Many of these kittens will need time and veterinary care to become strong enough for adoption. One such pet is Stevie, a 5-month-old gray kitten.

Stevie was brought to Lollypop Farm with both hind legs broken. He required immediate veterinary care to alleviate the pain and to increase his chances of ever walking again. Lollypop Farm Medical Director Dr. Cristina Cadavieco performed surgery to place a surgical plate on Stevie’s right leg to help keep the bones aligned. While his left leg appears to be healing well, only time will tell. Stevie is currently under the care of veterinary staff while he heals.

“Kitten Season” is often referred to as the time frame around spring and summer in which more cats give birth to litters of kittens. While cats can have kittens throughout the year, litters are more common in the warmer weather. As a result, shelters across the country experience an increase in the number of cats within their care, and Lollypop Farm is no exception.

This year, however, due to the continued warmth, a large number of kittens are still being brought to Lollypop Farm well into fall. This continued influx of cats and kittens strains resources and means that shelter staff are caring for far more pets.

Lollypop Farm relies heavily on foster care volunteers to help throughout the year, including with the influx of kittens. With just under 300 animals currently in foster care, about half of the population of animals under Lollypop Farm’s care are with dedicated foster families. These foster families allow for far greater numbers of animals to be saved, as the shelter itself is often close to or at capacity. Fosters at Lollypop Farm are provided with all the necessary food, medication, and veterinary care for their foster pets.

Want to learn more about foster care? Visit our foster page for more information. To help by donating much-needed supplies for cats and kittens, visit the Amazon Wishlist.

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About Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester
Established in 1873, Lollypop Farm is the largest animal welfare organization helping pets and people in the Greater Rochester area. Lollypop Farm is committed to creating a just and compassionate world for all animals. Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life-saving care. With a main campus in Fairport and a satellite adoption center in Greece Ridge Mall, the organization provides shelter, care, and adoption for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, horses, and other farm animals. Lollypop Farm is an independent nonprofit organization supported through donations and program fees. For more information and to meet current animals available for adoption, please visit www.lollypop.org.

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Media Contact:
Nikkie Wargo-Catallo
(585) 313-2351
email