CAPS: Spring and kitten season have arrived

Holly is a lovely three-year-old Kelty German Shepherd mix. She came to CAPS because her owner died. Holly is sweet and delightful. She is looking for a forever home with someone who will love and appreciate her adorable ways. Come out and meet her she is a charmer!
Courtesy Photo

Kathleen Williams-Miller

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

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Watson here, and until recently I had no idea that there was a Kitten Season. I was just minding my own business when three little kittens bounded into my backyard. Talk about annoying, they thought I was a big chew toy. Looking around, I realized kittens are springing up all over.

Kitten Season refers to a period of time when female cats are giving birth to litters. It typically lasts between the months of April and October; however, it can happen year-round. It usually occurs twice a year though in colder areas only once. Some of the factors contributing to this yearly phenomenon are longer days, warmer weather, and access to food.

It begins when the weather gets warmer and coincides with the time unaltered female cats are in heat. There are only certain periods of the year when cats are in heat and that is dependent on the weather. When a cat is in heat, the cat is ready to meet a mate and conceive kittens.

An unaltered female cat can become pregnant at four months of age. The gestation time for kittens is about 60 days, and a cat can be pregnant several times a year. The average number of kittens in a litter is 4-8.

Amazingly, cats can have more than one litter through one pregnancy. Cats are in heat about seven days and during that time, they can mate with multiple male cats. This means they can give birth to kittens with different fathers at the same time.

Unlike other animals, cats can keep birthing litter after litter until the season ends. A single cat can have several litters during the year. In seven years an unaltered female, her mate, and offspring can produce 370,092 kittens. Overpopulation is a problem. The number of kitties surrendered to shelters during Kitten Season doubles because there are not enough homes.

I hope all of the kittens get homes and their pet parents make sure they do not become mass producers by getting them altered.

XOXO Watson

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have three adorable, energetic boy Border Collie/Heeler/mix puppies that are ready for adoption. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

Policy, however, prohibits adopting out puppies or kittens under the age of 6 months to a home with children under five years of age. This is to protect both the children and the animal.

IN NEED OF

Recipes! Please send your favorite recipes to crazydogmom1810@gmail.com. We are compiling a CAPS favorite’s cookbook.

Garage sale items. We need gently used appliances, furniture, treadmills, and miscellaneous items. We do not need clothing. Call 775-423-7500 for pick up.

Leashes, dog toys, harnesses, and fish-based dog treats.

Dry cat food and Friskies wet. Dry dog food and Pedigree wet food.

Aluminum cans. If you have, cans to pick up, give us a call (775-423-7500) and we will come get them. You can also drop them off at CAPS.

SHOUT OUT TO

Everyone who donated funds towards Sonic’s surgery. He is forever grateful! A huge pooch smooch you!

The anonymous person who donated $1,000. You are Purrfect!

Mattie’s Pet Project for sponsoring free adoption days. All tails are wagging for you!

COME SEE US

CAPS is now open, appointments are suggested, for adoptions, SNAPS, and food pantry. We cannot accept volunteers until further notice. Call 775-423-7500.

DON’T FORGET

June Pet Holiday: Take your cat to work day is June 18.

To clean your garage and donate your gently used items to CAPS for our garage sale. Call 775-423-7500 for pick up.

CONTACT CAPS

CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Contact me at jkwmil@outlook.com.

CAPS: Spring and kitten season have arrived

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