BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Animal Rescue League of Boston has been dealing with a “drastic increase” in its kitten influx in 2024.
In a press release on Wednesday, ARL said that there are dozens of kittens coming through its doors every week, and the nonprofit specified that the influx is coming from outdoor cat colonies throughout the state.
ARL added that although the group took in 885 community cats in 2023, this year could be even busier for kitten intake.
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In 2024 so far, ARL has taken in 129 kittens and 62 in May alone — compared to 55 kittens from January through May in 2023.
ARL said that the recent mild New England winters might be affecting the influx numbers.
“There’s really no such thing as kitten season anymore. It’s really become a year-round phenomenon and something that we have taken on in earnest over the last eight years or so,” said Mike DeFina, media relations manager.
“While community cats are incredibly resilient, kittens born outdoors are extremely vulnerable to fluctuating weather conditions, predators, illness, among others, and sadly many don’t survive,” said ARL.
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There are around 700,000 community cats across the Commonwealth and around 70,000 in Boston alone, and they can be found anywhere a mother cat can provide safety and warmth, like under decks, in basements, woodpiles, and dog piles, explained ARL.
ARL is the only large animal welfare organization in Massachusetts with a dedicated community cat program, and they provide veterinary care, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and behavioral assessments to determine adoption potential.
Cats that are truly feral and do not want to rely on humans for care are returned to the field, added ARL.
The nonprofit advised the public to be on the lookout for community cats and kittens and to contact ARL and not to move the animals if you encounter any.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Emma Friedman (@EmmaFriedmanWBZ) reports.
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