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There are more than 1,000 kittens at risk of being killed at the city shelter every year that SAPA! tries to save through our neonatal program. To do that, we need a huge amount of help from the community in the form of, fosters to care for kittens in their homes, and donations to cover the costs of formula, medications, staff, and all the needs to keep this fragile population alive.
We are taking in litters of kittens throughout the year, but need your help to save them all!
The Neonatal Kitten Program is a creative approach to saving an entire class of especially fragile, homeless animals. The program targets orphaned, un-weaned kittens with a high chance of being killed at San Antonio’s Animal Care Services (ACS). Each year, especially during the breeding season, which spans from March to October, ACS and local rescues are overwhelmed with orphaned kittens. These kittens are at serious risk because neither the shelter nor other groups in the community can provide the intensive care they need to survive.
Sponsored by the Orphan Kitten Club, SAPA!'s Whisker Warriors Club is an opportunity to promote our neonatal kitten foster program, recruit new bottle baby kitten fosters, and recognize our incredible neonatal kitten fosters! Whisker Warriors, SAPA! neonatal kitten fosters, receive a free t-shirt and supplies needed to care for their kitten fosters.
Neonatal Foster
Our Neonatal Program is completely dependent on people in the community (YOU!) willing to open their homes and spare bathrooms to these orphaned kittens. Baby bottle feeding requires dedication and time, but knowing that you are saving an orphan’s life is a very rewarding experience!
Here are the different types of kittens needing a foster home:
Bottle baby kittens – These kittens are fed from a bottle and are about 0-4wks of age. They need to be fed around the clock every few hours so are best for folks that work from home, stay at home moms/dads, retired people, or others that can make that kind of commitment.
Gruel kittens – These are kittens that are 4-5wks old and are learning to eat wet food on their own, They need to be fed about every 5-6 hours so work well for people that can come home during their lunch break or work from home etc.
Weaned kittens – These guys need care like a normal kitty so anyone can care for them as long as you have a spare bathroom or bedroom for them to hang out in!
Moms with babies – All that these special ladies need is a little extra monitoring and support. Sometimes fostering moms with babies is the most rewarding experience because the moms take such good care of their sweet little kitties.
San Antonio Pets Alive! provides supplies such as food, formula, bottles etc. and all medical care for foster cats and kittens through our Medical Care Center that is open 7 days a week. If you are interested in becoming a kitten foster, please contact us or complete our foster application today!
