McKamey Animal Center is hosting a "kitten shower" this coming weekend in hopes of collecting donations and recruiting fosters for the deluge of kittens that springtime brings.
The center is expected to receive over 1,000 kittens this season, according to a news release.
"Unfortunately, the most vulnerable are already arriving" said the news release states, adding that the center has received multiple litters of orphaned kittens over the last two weeks.
If you go
When: May 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.Where: McKamey Animal Center, 4500 North Access RoadFor more information: call 423-305-650 or visit mckameyanimalcenter.org
Several foster parents will be at the event with their kittens to talk about how to get involved in McKamey's foster program. And staff will collect supply donations for foster care providers who bottle feed orphaned, nursing kittens.
The center's most critical needs, according to the news release, are kitten formula and bottles, canned cat food, dry kitten food, small blankets, unscented baby wipes, toys and litter.
Once kittens are old enough for adoption, they are spayed or neutered, vaccinated according to their age, dewormed, and tested for feline diseases.
"Spay/neuter and education are the true answers to this problem," Executive Director Jamie McAloon said in a statement.
One cat can produce three litters per year, McAloon said.
McKamey Animal Center offers free spay/neuter services to cat owners and for feral cats within Chattanooga city limits.