HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Hillsborough County is bracing for the annual arrival of “kitten season,” and local officials say the Pet Resource Center is already feeling the squeeze. To handle the surge of tiny arrivals, the shelter is inviting the public to a “kitten shower” this Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 440 N. Falkenburg Rd. in Tampa.
The event isn’t just about cute photos; it’s a push for real-time help. Attendees can meet pets ready for homes, participate in family activities, and sign up for the foster program.
The shelter is also asking for specific supplies to keep these newborns alive, including kitten formula, bottles, soft bedding, and toys. These items are vital because many of the kittens arriving are too young to survive without 24-hour care.
This seasonal spike happens every year as temperatures climb and the breeding cycle for stray and feral cats kicks into high gear. Last year, the influx was so intense that the facility’s cat population peaked at over 500% of its intended capacity.
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However, shelter officials are also using the event to clear up a common misconception that often makes the problem worse. Many residents find litters of kittens outside and bring them to the shelter, thinking they are saving them. Experts at the Pet Resource Center say that in most cases, the best thing you can do is leave them alone.
“The best practice is to leave outdoor kittens where they are,” shelter officials noted. Mothers are rarely far away—usually just hunting for a meal—and it is “extremely rare” for a mother to actually abandon her litter. Removing them too early can stunt the development of their immune systems and hurt their social growth.
As the only open-admissions shelter in the county, the Pet Resource Center takes in every dog and cat regardless of their health, breed, or age. With the population expected to climb through the summer, the shelter is leaning on the community to help manage the load through fostering and adoption. Anyone interested in viewing available pets can find them online at HCFL.gov/Adopt.
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