Animal charity faces influx of kittens this summer

Animal welfare charity Mayhew is facing an "influx" of kittens and pregnant cats this summer, as the staff prepare for 'kitten season'.

Every spring, unneutered cats and stray and feral cats give birth to litters and suddenly, there are hundreds of kittens in danger. Sometimes they are separated from their mothers and left without food, with no one to protect them.

This leads to large numbers of newly born kittens and pregnant cats entering the London shelter in the summer months, many of whom will need urgent veterinary care. For the past three years (2022–2024), Mayhew has cared for an average of 130 kittens and cats per month between May and August. This is compared to an average of 90 kittens and cats under the shelter's care the rest of the year.

"Early summer is an incredibly challenging time for our team. We're already seeing high numbers of kittens and pregnant cats come through our doors, and we know from previous years that it's only going to get worse," says Lisa Guiney, Mayhew's Head of Operations.

Cats like Vi, and her newborn kittens, who arrived at Mayhew recently. A kind member of the public found them at a recreation ground, and after calling the team, was advised to bring them in immediately. The kittens were checked over by the veterinary team to ensure their health and given the care and support they needed by the Mayhew cattery team.

Vi is still a young cat herself at one year old. She will not only receive the same care and support as her kittens, but the vital veterinary care that will prevent her from having litters in the future.

Currently, Vi and her kittens are being cared for by a volunteer foster carer, and will receive the space, safety and love they need to grow in confidence and become ready for adoption.

"Vi and the kittens' story is not an unusual one, sadly," says Lisa. "During kitten season, the teams are never sure what the next day will bring. What we do know is that we will do all we can to care for these cats and kittens that need us, and all we can to find them the homes they deserve."

Every animal that comes into Mayhew receives tailored veterinary and behavioural care to give them the best possible chance of finding their new home. The average stay costs £1,000.

If you want to help support Mayhew this kitten season, visit: themayhew.org/donate