SPCA Launches Summer Foster Appeal for Upcoming Kitten Season

SPCA New Zealand has launched its nationwide summer foster appeal, calling on animal lovers across Aotearoa to open their homes to vulnerable cats and kittens ahead of the seasonal kitten surge.

The organisation relies heavily on volunteer foster carers each summer to ease pressure on its physical animal centres and provide safe environments for young animals before they are ready for adoption.

Nationwide shelter demand and volunteer roles

SPCA cared for 13,116 cats and kittens through its centres across New Zealand last year; the year before, the figure was 13,312. Kitten season is one of the busiest times of the year for its centres.

According to SPCA Chief Executive Todd Westwood, foster carers serve as an essential bridge between initial rescue and permanent adoption. Every foster home eases pressure on SPCA teams and creates room for more sick, vulnerable and abandoned animals to receive care.

Carers can help for a few days, a few weeks, or over the holiday period. Animals needing temporary care during kitten season include:

• Neonatal kittens: the greatest need, as they require bottle feeding and extra care.
• Mother cats and their litters.
• Orphaned and older kittens.
• Timid or injured adult cats needing temporary care and support.

SPCA says there are opportunities to suit a range of lifestyles and experience levels.

Practical support, supplies, and eligibility

SPCA provides all food, medication, equipment and training, so there is very little cost to the carer. Foster carers need the time and commitment to provide a safe, caring environment, and must be able to travel to and from their local SPCA centre when needed. Sign-up is through the SPCA website.

For practical advice on feline care and preparing a household for new arrivals, explore our checklist for bringing home a new kitten and our comprehensive guide to adopting and settling a rescue cat in New Zealand.

Sources

• https://www.spca.nz/news-and-events/news-article/summer-foster-appeal