Currently, the charity has several litters in foster care, including some newborns that require bottle-feeding. One such kitten, Eris, was rescued when a member of the public found him abandoned in a gutter in Mornington. Now, Eris is being cared for by an SPCA team member.
The holiday season is a challenging time for the SPCA, as the number of incoming litters increases. Last year, over 10,000 kittens passed through SPCA centers between November and April, and this year is expected to be just as busy.
At the Invercargill center, a mother cat named Buttercup arrived in late August and gave birth to six healthy kittens. The SPCA team also rescued three kittens from a vet clinic in Gore who were in need of a mother. Buttercup accepted these kittens as her own, showing the importance of a strong foster network.
With so many kittens expected in the coming months, the SPCA is asking for help from the community. Foster parents are provided with everything they need to care for the animals, including food, bedding, toys, and medicine. All costs are covered by the SPCA, and foster parents only need to provide time and transportation to and from facilities.
Fostering is crucial for a kitten’s growth and wellbeing, as it allows them to socialize, play, and learn in a safe environment. The SPCA is flexible about the length of time animals spend in foster care, understanding that foster parents have busy lives.
If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent for kittens or other animals, visit spca.nz or contact your nearest SPCA center. Your help can make a difference in the lives of these animals in need.
