ASPCA celebrates caring for 10,000th foster kitten in Los Angeles County

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has cared for its 10,000th kitten, a calico female named Delta, through the ASPCA Kitten Foster Program—a program that recruits, trains, and supports volunteer foster caregivers of kittens under 8 weeks old who are too young to be cared for in Los Angeles County Animal Care Centers.

All images photo courtesy of the ASPCA.

According to an organizational release,¹ Delta entered the foster program when she was 5 days old and found alone near a major freeway. At this young, vulnerable age, her eyes and ears were closed, and her foster caregiver bottle-fed her every 2 to 3 hours. She is now 6 weeks old and healthy and strong and will soon be available for adoption.

"Each of the 10,000 foster kittens cared for by the ASPCA Foster Program in Los Angeles represents a key step toward a safer and kinder community for animals overall," said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president and CEO. "We're proud to partner with the County on this lifesaving program, and we thank our partners, foster caregivers, and communities for their compassion and dedication to these vulnerable cats and kittens."

In collaboration with Los Angeles County Animal Care Centers, the ASPCA identified cats as the most at-risk animal population in Los Angeles. Therefore, in 2017, they created the ASPCA Los Angeles Kitten Foster Program at Baldwin Park Animal Care Center, which sees the highest number of kittens in the county with an average of over 400 four-to eight-week-old kittens coming into the shelter each year. Since the program's initiation, the number of kittens ages 4 to 8 weeks old who left Baldwin Park Animal Care Center alive has increased by 60% points and the euthanasia rate has decreased by 57% points.

Since then, the ASPCA has grown its foster program to include kittens who enter Downey Animal Care Center, and aims to have a greater impact for kittens at all county animal care centers, including Carson/Gardena, Lancaster, and Palmdale.

"We are truly grateful to the ASPCA for their partnership in saving these most vulnerable animals," said Marcia Mayeda, director, Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care & Control. "This important milestone speaks to the value of public-private partnership in resolving the difficult challenges we face in saving animals' lives. The ASPCA is to be commended for their commitment, dedication, and generosity in their efforts to save underage kittens."

Reference

ASPCA cares for 10,000th foster kitten in Los Angeles County. News release. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. June 1, 2023. Accessed June 1, 2023. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aspca-cares-for-10-000th-foster-kitten-in-los-angeles-county-301839496.html