Cape animal shelter ready for kitten season
CCAS receives grant and care kits from the Orphan Kitten Club to aid rescue work
Trending
Cape Coral's animal shelter announced this week they have received a grant that will provide critical resources for the most vulnerable feline population just in time for the start of kitten season.
The Cape Coral Animal Shelter was awarded the grant from the Orphan Kitten Club to assist with the care of neonatal kittens.
CCAS officials said this lifesaving funding will directly support the shelter's neonatal kitten program, equipping foster caregivers with essential supplies and specialized tools needed to care for kittens from birth to 8 weeks old -- an age when survival depends on intensive, around-the-clock care. The grant, which included a financial contribution of $1,105 and vital equipment such as neonatal kits, will allow CCAS to expand its capacity to save fragile kittens who would otherwise be at high risk.
"We are grateful to partner with Orphan Kitten Club, whose commitment to advancing lifesaving care for the most vulnerable population in shelters -- neonatal kittens -- directly empowers us to place fragile neonates into foster homes with the resources they need to survive and thrive," said Shelter Animal Processing Supervisor Gretchen Cuthbertson.
In 2025 alone, Cape Coral Animal Shelter officials stated they cared for 250 kittens under 8 weeks old, achieving an impressive 96% live release rate for this highly vulnerable group. The shelter's growing foster network -- now more than 250 families strong -- plays a crucial role in this success.
CCAS officials said each neonatal kitten kit is assembled to give foster caregivers everything they need to successfully raise bottle-fed kittens, including nursing bottles, Miracle Nipples for safe feeding, a digital pet scale to monitor daily weight gain, a microwaveable heating disc to maintain proper body temperature, a digital thermometer, petroleum jelly, a flea comb, disposable gloves, and a blender bottle for formula preparation.
"These comprehensive kits ensure fosters are fully equipped to provide lifesaving, hands-on care from day one," CCAS officials stated.
The timing of this grant is especially impactful as CCAS officials said shelters nationwide prepare for the annual influx of kittens known as "kitten season," when thousands of newborn kittens enter shelters and require specialized care.
Kelly Hartman, Foster coordinator, shared her gratitude for support from this national organization, stating, "As a result of their generosity, our foster families are better prepared to respond, nurture and save the lives of fragile neonate kittens."
Orphan Kitten Club is a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to providing lifesaving resources, education, and innovative programs focused on neonatal kitten care. The organization is known for advancing best practices in kitten care, supporting shelters through grant funding, and training caregivers across the country in critical techniques such as bottle-feeding, medical triage, and neonatal support.
Karen Hoel from Lee County Domestic Animal Services said the kitten population is "picking up" as kitten season gets underway.
"It's been a bit of a slower start compared to some years, but it is definitely beginning to ramp up now," she said. "As the weeks go on, those numbers are expected to continue to rise, which is typical this time of year."
The veterinary team at Lee County Domestic Animal Services is fully dedicated to caring for the more than 10,000 animals that enter the shelter each year. Every pet that is adopted from the shelter is spayed or neutered before going home. LCDAS also supports community efforts by offering free Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) vouchers through its partnership with Fortunate Ferals, helping to reduce the free-roaming cat population in a humane and effective way.
"Spaying and neutering is one of the most important tools we have to control the pet population and prevent overcrowding in shelters," Hoel said. "When pets are not altered, even one unplanned litter can quickly lead to dozens -- or even hundreds -- of additional animals over time. Spaying or neutering also improves the overall health and behavior of pets, reducing issues like roaming, fighting and certain cancers."