Spring in San Diego means many things: blooming flower fields in Carlsbad, fascinating “grunion runs” where silvery fish take over beaches at night and — for San Diego Humane Society — the start of the busiest time of year: baby season. In 2024, the shelter cared for 8,642 kittens and expects to see similar numbers in the coming months.
Kittens require an incredible amount of attention to survive during their first weeks of life and have essential needs that must be met in the absence of a mother. They must be bottle-fed every two to three hours and have their tiny body temperatures regulated with heating discs and blankets.
Their delicate immune systems require strict protocols to make sure the kittens remain free from disease and infection. Without a mom to groom them, they also need extra precautions to keep them clean and healthy.
Apollo, who was found abandoned at only 4 weeks old, is jut one of thousands of kittens whose life was saved at San Diego Humane Society. He was having trouble using his legs, due to a developmental condition called swimmer syndrome.
After spending a few days in the kitten nursery, Apollo was placed in a loving foster home where he received dedicated attention, including bottle feedings and gentle physical therapy, to help him grow.
Thanks to his foster mom’s early intervention and the support of the medical team, Apollo grew out of his swimmer syndrome and after his vaccinations and neuter surgery, he was ready to be adopted. He is now safe, healthy and loved in his new home.
Since opening the nation’s first 24-hour kitten nursery in 2009, San Diego Humane Society has remained a leader in neonatal kitten care.
Today, the Jim Lester Kitten Nursery & Foster Center provides lifesaving resources for vulnerable kittens, trains foster volunteers to offer around-the-clock care and even offers daycare support for fosters needing extra help during the day.
There are also nurseries at San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido and Oceanside campuses.
This innovative program is a national leader and plays a key role in ensuring San Diego County can Stay at Zero euthanasia of healthy or treatable shelter animals — while also helping other shelters save lives in their own communities.
This spring, you can make an immediate impact on tiny kittens in need by supporting San Diego Humane Society’s virtual Kitten Shower! Animal lovers across our region are invited to make a lifesaving difference by donating essential supplies like formula, bottles, blankets and heating pads.
By selecting a gift from one of the organization’s digital registries, you can help give these adorable babies the care they need to grow healthy and strong and prepare for a loving new home.
Visit sdhumane.org/kittenshower to join in on the fun and send your special gift straight to the nursery doors!
