It’s kitten season and Kitsap Humane Society is caring for almost four times the usual number of cats and kittens than during other seasons of the year.

“We have more than 308 cats and kittens being cared for in the shelter and through KHS’ foster care program right now,” said Eric Stevens, executive director of Kitsap Humane Society. “Most of the year, we are caring for approximately 80 cats at any one time.

“Now, cat and kitten cages are lining the hallways in the lobby and the cattery. Cats are living in our business offices, too. If anyone has been thinking of adopting a cat or kitten, now is a good time.”

So, for a limited time only, adoption fees are 50 percent off all adult cats, 1 year and older.

Kittens are regularly priced at $150 each for the first kitten and discounted to only $50 for a second kitten.

In addition to the full house at the shelter, more than 80 kittens younger than eight weeks old are being cared for through KHS’ foster care program by specially-trained volunteers.

These foster care providers take the kittens in to their homes, bottle-feed the ones without mothers, and transport the kittens back and forth to KHS for medical care.

Many fosters go the extra mile, staying up nights as needed.  “Our foster care families are literally life-savers,” said Robin Simons, KHS’ director of animal welfare. “We couldn’t possibly care for all of these kittens without significant help from the community.”  Foster care providers also care for adult cats that have special needs. Foster care homes also are needed.

For information on becoming a KHS foster care provider, contact Julie Hammer, Foster Care Coordinator, at foster@kitsap-humane.org.