Spring means one thing at animal shelters: Kittens, and lots of them.
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When the weather starts to warm up, the feline intake RSPCA's NSW shelters increases by 400%, with more than 500 kittens admitted some weeks.
RSPCA NSW Central West Shelter supervisor T'mielle White says she is already starting to see more kittens and pregnant cats come in.
"We're not over run at the moment but it's projected over the next few months we'll definitely see an increase."
Shelters statewide are often overwhelmed at this time of year with cats and kittens as a result of owners not desexing their cats and letting them roam free outside, Ms White said.
Kitten season also brings with it the possibility of finding a litter of kittens on their own in an unusual place. Ms White says people should think before rushing to their rescue.
"I got a call just today from a lady who had gone back to work and found a litter of kittens hanging around the building," she said.
"What we recommend to people is, if they're quite young, just wait around and see if the mum returns, she might be out finding food.
"Keep an eye out for mum and if you find she's not returning you can either take them into your care or look at rehoming them through a rescue organisation or friends and family.
"But if mum does come back, just leave mum to deal with the kittens."
Ms White said litters of kittens in unusual places may belong to a stray cat, or to a pet who "has just gone to have babies where she feels comfortable."
Ms White said the Central West shelter was seeking foster carers for kittens and pregnant mums.
"As we're seeing an increase in our cats and pregnant mums, we're seeking new people to help foster them, because it's nicer to give birth in a home environment than in the shelter.
"We've already put two pregnant mums into foster care and we'd love to have more people join to help us.
"We would set you up with everything you need, such as bedding and food, as long as you can set her up in a home where she can be quiet and warm and contained to have the babies."
For information contact the shelter on 6362 6171.
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