TACOMA, Wash. — In a recent social media post, the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County described the heartbreaking rescue of five kittens found abandoned in the cold.
Despite the veterinarian team's best efforts, one kitten did not make it. Lauren Green with Tacoma Humane said the four surviving kittens will require a lot of time and effort to get healthy enough to be adopted.
"Kittens are extremely resource intensive. They are tiny, adorable, super delicate," Green said. "They require feeding every couple of hours. You're acting as the mother cat."
Tacoma Humane found a foster family willing to put in the work. Along with feeding and giving the kittens attention, the foster family must weigh the little ones to ensure they're gaining weight, a sign they're getting enough nutrients.
While Green hopes not to see any other kittens in such a dire state, she knows more will be coming.
"We anticipate seeing over a thousand kittens come in the next few months. As the weather warms up, unaltered female cats go into heat," she said.
This is where the community can help in a few ways.
Green said everyone should make sure their four-legged friends are spayed or neutered. If the procedure is too expensive, Green said they offer an income-based option for those who need assistance.
You can adopt a new, furry family member. From May 1 to 15, adoption fees for cats and dogs will be no more than $50. It's part of the national Empty the Shelters event.
"When you adopt one, you're saving two lives. You adopt that one and you're also creating space for us to help an animal in need," Green said.
Those who don't have space to bring in a new pet can also donate to your local animal shelter. Tacoma Humane has a fundraiser that will match donations up to $25,000 thanks to a gift from Larson Automotive Group during their GiveBIG event.