Kitten Season At WCHS

Felines
Written By Katelynn English

Spring has sprung in Whitman County, and that means one thing for animal lovers and our team at the Whitman County Humane Society… kitten season is in full swing!

Kitten season typically runs from spring through early fall, when unspayed cats give birth to litters of adorable (and very needy) kittens. This time of year brings a significant increase in vulnerable young cats entering our community, stretching resources at shelters like ours. At WCHS, we’re preparing to provide round-the-clock care, frequent bottle feeding, medical support, and loving foster homes to as many kittens as possible—but we can’t do it without our community’s help.

Join Us for the 2026 Kitten Shower – All Month Long in May!

To help us prepare for and care for the surge of kittens this season, we’re hosting our Kitten Shower throughout the entire month of May!

This special community drive collects critical supplies and funds to support the vulnerable kittens in our care. Your donations help provide the specialized formula, warmth, medical care, and fostering resources these tiny babies need to grow strong and find loving homes.

How You Can Participate:

  • Donate funds online via our website. Thanks to a generous match from Viking Veterinary Hospital, every dollar donated in May will be matched up to $500!

  • Donate supplies from our wish list: KMR (liquid preferred), Miracle Nipples, heating pads (without auto shut-off), Rescue, hand sanitizer, paper towels, and gallon zip lock bags.

  • Drop off donations at the shelter or participating local businesses.

For full details, the complete wish list, and easy ways to give, visit: www.whitmanpets.org/kitten-shower

Every bottle of formula, every clean towel, and every dollar makes a real difference in saving lives.

What to Do If You Find a Kitten or Litter of Kittens

Finding kittens outdoors can be exciting, but deciding how best to help them can feel overwhelming. Many people wonder whether the kittens have been abandoned or if mom cat is simply away hunting or hiding nearby. The good news is there are excellent resources to help you assess the situation thoughtfully and make the best choice for the kittens.

A highly recommended starting point is theASPCA’s guide: “I Found Kittens – What Do I Do?”

This interactive resource walks through important questions such as:

  • Do the kittens appear healthy, clean, plump, and relatively quiet (suggesting mom is likely caring for them)?

  • Are they cold, dirty, skinny, crying constantly, or in immediate danger?

  • Roughly how old do they appear to be?

Mother cats often leave their kittens for hours at a time. If the kittens look well cared for, the best outcome is usually to leave them in place and monitor from a distance so mom can continue raising them. If intervention seems necessary, the guide offers clear next steps tailored to the kittens’ condition and age.

Additional helpful resources:

  • Kitten Lady (kittenlady.org) – Excellent age charts, care information, and guidance for neonatal kittens.

  • Our team at Whitman County Humane Society – We’re here to help you evaluate the situation and determine the best course of action. Contact us at (509) 332-3422 or wchs@whitmanpets.org for personalized advice.

If the kittens are orphaned or need immediate help, we can guide you on temporary fostering, veterinary care, or bringing them into our shelter. Very young kittens require specialized round-the-clock care, so reaching out early is always best.

A Reminder About Free-Roaming Cats in Whitman County

In Whitman County, cats are allowed to roam freely outdoors.

However, if you find an injured or pregnant adult cat, please take these steps:

  • Contact your local police department, they may request a report be filed.

  • Then call the Whitman County Humane Society immediately at (509) 332-3422 or email wchs@whitmanpets.org.

We work closely with local authorities and can help assess the situation, provide medical care when needed, and support spay/neuter efforts through our TNR program to keep our community cat population healthy and manageable.

How Else Can You Help During Kitten Season?

  • Spay or neuter your own cats to prevent unwanted litters. Check out our SNAP program for assistance!

  • Foster if you have the space and time foster homes are lifesavers for young kittens. Sometimes that means just offering a quite space for a momma cat to raise a litter.

  • Volunteer or donate to support our ongoing work.

Kitten season is challenging, but it’s also a beautiful reminder of new life and the power of community compassion. Together, we can ensure these kittens receive the care they deserve and grow into healthy, happy cats.

Thank you for caring about the cats and kittens in our community.

Whitman County Humane Society
1340 Old Moscow Rd, Pullman, WA
Phone: (509) 332-3422
Email: wchs@whitmanpets.org

Let’s make this the best kitten season yet—for the kittens, for their moms, and for our whole community.

Katelynn English