Many of the abandoned kittens and cats now recovering at The Haven are in need of medical attention.

FAIRHOPE - In Southern Alabama, it’s kitten season year-round. Unfortunately, many of these felines end up as feral or strays, contributing to the high number of feral cat colonies in Baldwin County. Many nonprofit, volunteer groups are working to combat this issue through Trap, Neuter, Release programs, but it may be years before the effects of such methods are seen.

Recently, the Haven No-Kill Animal Shelter in Fairhope has taken in more than 75 critically ill kittens and cats in a matter of weeks. Some were left at the location’s front door, while others were found left in boxes throughout the community before being brought to The Haven.

“The sight is almost unbearable,” wrote Executive Director Michael Graham in an email. “These helpless pets are filthy, left in boxes or crates in the hot summer heat for days with no food or water. These innocent animals are emaciated, severely malnourished, and covered with worms and other parasites.”

The crew at The Haven set to work to deliver medical treatments and daily care to the cats, giving them meals, vaccinations and dewormer medication. They are now safely recovering within The Haven, according to the email.

However, the sudden influx of felines has put The Haven at overcapacity on cats. While many of these felines are still recovering, The Haven already housed cats and kittens who are ready to find their forever homes. Through the month of July, The Haven has lowered the adoption fee for cats/kittens to only $5. The usual adoption fee for felines is $125. The normal adoption process will still apply. Steps for adoptions can be found on The Haven’s website. Adoptions include the pet’s spay/neuter surgery, microchip and registration, up-to-date vaccinations, deworming, 30-days of pet health insurance, 30-days of flea/tick and heartworm preventative and more.

Anyone who is unable to adopt a cat or kitten but wants to help can also become a temporary foster. Many crewmembers at The Haven have begun fostering the felines, but more fosters are needed. Instructions and food will be provided for foster homes. Donations of any amount are also needed to go towards medical costs and to get the pets ready for adoption.

Donations can be made on the website at www.havenforanimals.org or mailed to The Haven P.O. Box 1063, Fairhope, AL 36533.