It was a big week for kittens at the ASPCA! In honor of National Kitten Day on July 10, we announced a significant achievement by caring for our 10,000th kitten through the ASPCA Kitten Nursery in New York City, which relies on the help of supportive foster caregivers to provide lifesaving care to kittens in need. This milestone comes during the height of feline breeding season, also known as kitten season, a time of year when shelters nationwide are overwhelmed with vulnerable, newborn cats.

The 10,000th kitten, Zanzibar, arrived at the Kitten Nursery from the Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) at only four weeks old and in need of specialized medical support for an upper respiratory infection. After being assessed by an ASPCA veterinarian, she was placed with an experienced foster caregiver who provided bottle-feedings, medications and socialization to help Zanzibar gain strength and prepare for life in an adoptive home. Zanzibar is now healthy and strong thanks to the support of her foster caregiver and will soon be available for adoption at the ASPCA Adoption Center.

Zanzibar and Zurich with their foster caregiver and ASPCA Kitten Nursery team members. 

“Reaching this 10,000-kitten milestone demonstrates how much we can accomplish when animal welfare organizations, foster caregivers and veterinary professionals work together to address a life-threatening animal welfare challenge with the utmost compassion and determination,” said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA President and CEO. “We’re proud to provide Animal Care Centers of NYC with critical assistance and encourage the public to continue adopting and fostering animals to help their local shelters manage the ongoing seasonal surge of vulnerable kittens.”

The majority of kittens helped through the ASPCA Kitten Nursery are transferred from ACC, the only open-admission shelter in New York City, to help alleviate pressure on the city’s shelter operations. Kittens are also taken in from individual rescuers throughout the five boroughs.

“The ASPCA Kitten Nursery is an essential part of ACC’s mission to end animal homelessness in New York City. The ASPCA has taken thousands of kittens from ACC over the years and provided the care and compassion needed to ensure their survival,” said ACC President and CEO Risa Weinstock. “The partnership between the ASPCA and ACC has been key in our pursuit to make New York City the most humane city for animals in the nation.”

To further encourage fostering and adopting during this critical time, we also joined Mayor Eric Adams and the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit at City Hall on Wednesday, July 6, to host “Kitty Hall”– a cat adoption event to help bring attention to the thousands of vulnerable animals in shelters in New York City and across the country who are in need of loving homes.

“Both adoption and fostering puts shelter animals in safe and loving homes, helps shelters conserve their space and resources and provides people with comfort and companionship,” said Michelle Villagomez, Senior Director of NYC legislation for the ASPCA. “Mayor Adams has been a longtime champion for animals, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit to encourage the public to continue adopting and fostering animals to help New York City shelters manage the ongoing seasonal surge of vulnerable kittens.”

New Yorkers and animal lovers across the country are encouraged to make a difference this season by fostering vulnerable kittens. The ASPCA Kitten Nursery has a particular need for foster caregivers who can provide frequent bottle-feeding and support for kittens who may require regular baths or treatment with medication. Learn more about how to foster kittens in New York City and to complete an online application. Or, if you’re in Los Angeles and want to foster kittens, get more information here or find a shelter near you.