It’s been a busy season for felines in the Southwest Florida area, with local shelters seeing an influx of kittens and cats. 

Lee County Domestic Animal Services is hosting a pair of events this August, as has joined a national initiative to help find its pets new homes. 

To assist with kitten adoptions, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, will host LCDAS for a kitten adoption event.

The event will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 7 at the Miromar outreach center, at 10801 Corkscrew Road, Suite 190 in Estero. Adoption fees will be waived with an approved application.

“Lee County Domestic Animal Services is the stray facility for Lee County,” said LCDAS’ Karen Hoel. “As such, LCDAS can see an intake upwards of 25 cats or kittens each day. Adoptions help LCDAS to care for incoming felines each day.”

Hoel said LCDAS saw a 60% increase in the number of kittens in its care this June alone over last year.

“The year-round warm climate allows cats to breed almost year-round,” Hoel said. “Warmer temperatures beginning earlier in the year caused an earlier breeding season. Owner surrenders also have increased.”

At Cape Coral Animal Shelter, Executive Director Liz McCauley said it seemed like this year kitten season started a bit slower, but went into overdrive quickly. 

“Not a day has gone by since spring that we have not been asked to take kittens,” she said. “It most definitely has to do with the lack of spay/neuter resources available in our community.  TNVR, (trap-neuter-vaccinate-return) while controversial, makes an undeniable impact on the number of kittens being born to outdoor or feral cats, and then rescued and brought to shelters.”

Since January, CCAS has taken in more than 290 kittens, and right now, 65 are still in their care. While those numbers match last year’s, McCauley said the reality is CCAS is still a small shelter with very limited space. 

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Kitten adoption event

The event will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, at the Miromar outreach center, at 10801 Corkscrew Road, Suite 190 in Estero. Adoption fees will be waived with an approved application.

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“Every day, we have to make the heartbreaking decision to turn away people trying to surrender kittens they’ve found,” she said. “The sad truth is, our community simply doesn’t have enough resources or capacity to meet the overwhelming number of unwanted animals — especially vulnerable kittens.”

When it comes to how the community can play a role in the overpopulation of kittens, McCauley said fixing your pets is the single most effective way to stop the cycle. 

“Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to do the same,” she said. “If you see outdoor cats, reach out to your local shelters and we can direct you to groups who will help trap and fix them. 

“Consider fostering kittens. Besides being a lot of fun, fosters save lives. Shelters are overwhelmed, and kittens need a safe place to grow until they’re adoptable.”

McCauley added that those looking for a new addition to the family should adopt, not shop. 

“Choosing to adopt instead of buying from breeders helps reduce shelter overcrowding and gives kittens already in need a second chance,” she said. “Shelters could not do what they do without volunteers and donors. Lend your time or contribute supplies, food, or funds to local shelters and rescue organizations. Every bit helps provide care for more animals.”

More than cats & kittens

Cats and kittens are not the only creatures testing the capacity limits of local shelters — there are plenty of canine companions available for adoption, too.

On Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon, CCAS and Cape Coral Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram will partner for a dog adoption event. For every adoption, and every vehicle sold that day, the dealership will donate $100 to CCAS. 

Adoption forms can be filled out on CCAS’ website, and all adoptions must be finalized at the shelter. 

Lee County Domestic Animal Services has joined NBCUniversal Local’s 11th annual Clear The Shelters pet adoption campaign that runs throughout August and includes a waived adoption fee event on Aug. 23. 

Animal Services will reduce adoption fees beginning Aug. 21 to $20 with an approved application.

For the highlight of the Clear The Shelters event, adoption fees will be waived from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 23, at 5600 Banner Drive in Fort Myers.

Since its 2015 inception, Clear The Shelters has helped nearly 1.2 million pets find new homes.

The benefit to adopters?

“Unconditional love and companionship,” Hoel said. “They are proven to reduce stress and anxiety. They can also teach children responsibility and care for others.”

Complete an application online. Find Lee County Domestic Animal Services’ social media sites on Facebook or Instagram @leeanimalservices.

LCDAS is located at 5600 Banner Drive in Fort Myers.

Cape Coral Animal Shelter is located at 325 SW 2nd Ave. More information.

Cape Coral Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram is at 2200 N.E. Pine Island Road.