Berkeley Humane in Urgent Need of Foster Families

Berkeley Humane is facing a critical situation as “kitten season” begins, resulting in a significant increase in the number of young animals needing care. The organization is currently operating in what they describe as “survival mode” due to a lack of a physical shelter building while a new facility is under construction.

Relying on Foster Network

Jill Cooney, Berkeley Humane’s foster program manager, explained that the organization is entirely reliant on a network of foster homes to house all of its animals. This surge in kittens coincides with the peak time of year for kitten litters, many of which require intensive care and attention.

Understanding Kitten Behavior

Cooney emphasized the importance of observing kittens before intervening. She urged residents who find kittens to first determine if their mother is nearby. “We really want to encourage people to make sure that something has happened to mom,” Cooney said. “Often they’re just out looking for food or scouting for a safe place to move the kittens to, and the kittens are really way better off with mom.”

Supporting Vulnerable “Bottle Babies”

When a mother cat is deceased or kittens are truly orphaned, immediate intervention is necessary. These very young kittens, often called “bottle babies,” are particularly vulnerable and require constant, around-the-clock care. Berkeley Humane aims to prevent euthanasia in local municipal shelters by expanding its foster program.

Foster Program Details

Berkeley Humane provides all necessary supplies and covers all medical expenses for fostered animals. Kittens are generally ready for adoption around eight weeks of age. Foster families also receive priority consideration if they wish to adopt the kittens they are caring for.

How to Help

Individuals interested in fostering, adopting, or learning more about what to do if they find a litter of kittens can visit berkeleyhumane.org for further information.