ASPCA treats 10,000th kitten in New York City kitten nursery

The ASPCA Kitten Nursery announced its 10,000^th kitten, a 10-week-old tabby kitten with orange fur named Zanzibar, arrived at the nursery after receiving 6 weeks of care from the Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC).

Zanzibar arrived at the ASPCA Kitten Nursery at 4 weeks of age in need of treatment for an upper respiratory infection. Now that she has recovered and matured, she will soon be available for adoption. (Image courtesy of ASPCA)

Zanzibar was in need of specialized medical support for an upper respiratory infection. After being assessed by an ASPCA veterinarian, they placed the kitten with an experienced foster caregiver who provided bottle-feedings, medications, and socialization to help Zanzibar gain strength and prepare for life in an adoptive home. According to a release from the ASPCA,¹ Zanzibar is now healthy and strong thanks to the support of her foster caregiver and will be available for adoption at the ASPCA Adoption Center in Manhattan soon.

"Reaching this 10,000-kitten milestone demonstrates how much we can accomplish when animal welfare organizations, foster caregivers, and veterinary professionals work together to address a life-threatening animal welfare challenge with the utmost compassion and determination," said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president and CEO, in the release.

"We're proud to provide Animal Care Centers of NYC with critical assistance and encourage the public to continue adopting and fostering animals to help their local shelters manage the ongoing seasonal surge of vulnerable kittens," he added.¹

The ASPCA Kitten Nursery first launched in 2014 and is the city's first and largest high-volume kitten nursery dedicated to caring for and treating neonatal kittens that are often too young to survive on their own. This milestone comes during the height of the feline breeding season, also known as kitten season, a time of year when shelters nationwide are overwhelmed with vulnerable and newborn cats.

According to the release, the majority of kittens helped through the Kitten Nursery are transferred from ACC to help alleviate pressure on the city's shelter operations or are taken in from individual rescuers throughout the 5 boroughs.

"The ASPCA Kitten Nursery is an essential part of ACC's mission to end animal homelessness in New York City. The ASPCA has taken thousands of kittens from ACC over the years and provided the care and compassion needed to ensure their survival," said Risa Weinstock, ACC president and CEO, in the release.

"The partnership between the ASPCA and ACC has been key in our pursuit to make New York City the most humane city for animals in the nation."¹

Vulnerable kittens under 8 weeks old often require round-the-clock attention as they mature,¹ but many shelters cannot maintain this kind of care. Foster programs that support frequent bottle-feeding for the youngest of these kittens and medical check-ups are crucial to help them grow and find loving homes.

At the moment, the ASPCA Kitten Nursery has a particular need for foster caregivers who can provide frequent bottle-feeding and support for kittens who may require regular baths or treatment with medication. To learn more about how to foster kittens in New York City and to complete an online application, please visit ASPCA.org/FosterNYC.

References

1. ASPCA Kitten Nursery helps 10,000 of New York City's most vulnerable animals with support from foster caregivers. News release. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. July 11, 2022. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aspca-kitten-nursery-helps-10-000-of-new-york-citys-most-vulnerable-animals-with-support-from-foster-caregivers-301583516.html
2. Animal Care Centers of NYC. Accessed July 11, 2022. https://www.nycacc.org/about