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by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc.
Did you know kittens are awfully cute? Most everyone thinks so. Even my husband who enjoys watching the cage antics of the foster babies I bring home as we are having dinner. No matter their color, one kitten is as adorable as the next. With luck and good care, kittens grow up to become adults preferably in a home. Every year we have “leftovers” who become cats right before our eyes because there are simply too many of them. Most people looking to adopt a kitten or two want them as young as possible. For our shelter, they become available no sooner than 12 weeks. Kittens should be with their siblings or “friends” until at least 8 weeks old which helps in their socialization and play skills. Too often, single kittens, especially single bottle babies, end up playing too rough due to that lack of socialization.
At 3 months old it is safe to have them spayed and neutered and vaccinated against rabies giving them their best start in life. That first rabies vaccination does not offer long term protection against rabies. The pet, either cat, dog or ferret, should be re-vaccinated a year from the date of the prior one. Some veterinarians offer three year vaccines after the first time, others prefer to vaccinate yearly. Over time, immunity will build, but until the Orange County Health Department changes its rules, only 3 years between vaccinations is considered full protection. The rabies vaccine is a killed vaccine which means the injection does not include the live rabies virus.
Recently the Sullivan County Department of Health confirmed that a raccoon in the Callicoon area tested positive for rabies. If an animal appears sick or acts strange, this does not mean it automatically has rabies. Confirmation is only possible when the brain tissue is tested. There are other illnesses among wildlife that often mimic rabies symptoms. No matter the case, keep away to keep safe.
Back to adopting kittens of which our shelter currently has over three dozen, some ready and some still under the three pound mark (3 lbs. = 12 weeks). If considering bringing a kitten into your life there are several reasons to consider adopting two:
~ Fewer behavioral issues with two kittens because they have each other
~ The two will have a 24/7 play-partner
~ Easier time adjusting to the new home and family with a friend or sibling
~ You will help save two lives instead of just one, making more room for others to be rescued
Our kittens that are available for adoption have been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, tested for feline leukemia and feline immune virus, de-wormed and treated for anything medical that they needed during their shelter stay. We recommend that any adopted pet see the family’s veterinarian to establish their record once the pet has settled into their new home.
“A kitten is, in the animal world, what a rosebud is in the garden.” – Robert Sowthey
Pet of the Week:
Two sets of 3 month old tiger striped sisters ready to bring joy and smiles into your home. These fraternal triplets are full of energy, very inquisitive, super playful, and extremely cute! Although not from the same area they are March babies. Adopt one, two or all three of each set!
Adoption applications are available at wvhumane.org or call 845-986-2473 for more information.
