How to let your kids experience raising kittens without contributing to pet overpopulation
Q. Our cat was spayed years ago, but I wish she could have had just one litter for the kids to see. Is there anywhere they can experience the miracle of birth and be around newborn kittens?
- Tina Langston, Burr Ridge
A. So glad to hear your cat is spayed and you resisted the urge for your cat to have "just one litter." The shelter sees thousands of kittens from unwanted litters each summer.
This flow of kittens opens up the opportunity for you and your family to help by becoming a foster kitten home. The shelter community receives kittens of all ages that have been abandoned along with moms and kittens that need to be cared for until they are old enough to be adopted.
The experience requires commitment and heart, but can be a lesson in compassion your kids will remember for a lifetime. The replacement milk and veterinary expenses are provided through DuPage County Animal Care and Control.
You must be willing to house the kittens or mom and kittens for at least eight weeks separate from your house cat. This is a lifesaving project you and your kids can do together. Abandoned kittens require round the clock care for the first four weeks requiring feedings every few hours. Moms with kittens are easier as your role will be to keep mom happy and fed and the kittens socialized and loved.
This is a great way to help without contributing to the kitten boom that occurs during the spring, summer and fall months.
More information about how to handle the kittens and their needs is provided when you sign up. This is a lifesaving gift to the kittens and a lesson in compassion and caring for your kids. You get the great Mom award on this one. I hope this is the opportunity you were looking for.
Kerry Vinkler is director of DuPage County Animal Care and Control. If you would like to submit a question, e-mail animalcontrol@Dupageco.org or send a letter to 120 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187. You can also visit www.dupageco.org/animalcontrol, or call (630) 407-2800.