New Hampshire Animal Shelters Brace for Kitten Season
As spring arrives, New Hampshire animal shelters are preparing for a significant increase in kitten intake. The New Hampshire SPCA in Stratham is anticipating a surge in the number of kittens needing care.
New Hampshire animal shelters prepare for influx of kittens
Updated: 3:15 PM EDT Mar 27, 2026
The New Hampshire SPCA is proactively working to address the expected increase by focusing on spaying and neutering cats. Savannah Alcerro of the New Hampshire SPCA explained that many kittens arrive from both indoor cats who accidentally get outside and litters found outdoors.
Spring is here, and for animal shelters, that means kitten season.
The New Hampshire SPCA in Stratham is getting ready for an influx of kittens as the weather warms up.
The shelter said it’s working to make sure the cats that come its way are spayed or neutered.
“People may have kittens that are being born to their cats that are either indoor and maybe got outdoors by accident or they’re seeing kittens or litters outside,” said Savannah Alcerro of the New Hampshire SPCA. “We have a wonderful program called ‘Spay the Mom,’ where you can bring in either your cat or an outdoor cat and we will sterilize that animal free of charge, and you’re able to surrender the kittens to us at the NH SPCA.”
The shelter said many kittens are sick when they come in, so they receive medical treatment before going up for adoption.
The “Spay the Mom” Program
The New Hampshire SPCA offers a free sterilization program called “Spay the Mom.” This initiative allows individuals to bring in their cats, or outdoor cats, for sterilization at no cost. Participants can then surrender the resulting kittens to the shelter for care and eventual adoption.
Kitten Health Concerns
The New Hampshire SPCA notes that many kittens arrive at the shelter already sick, requiring immediate medical attention before they can be placed for adoption.
Adoption Opportunities
The New Hampshire SPCA has many cats and kittens available for adoption. All adoptable felines are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations. Interested adopters can call 603-772-2921 x 110 or email [email protected] for more information.
Did you know?
As of March 27, 2026, the New Hampshire SPCA is currently caring for 53 kittens, with more expected to arrive. They are caring for over 185 animals in total.
Pro Tip:
If you find a litter of kittens, observe them from a distance before intervening. The mother cat may be nearby and return shortly. If the kittens appear sick or the mother does not return after several hours, contact your local animal shelter.
Reader Question:
What can I do to help if I can’t adopt?
You can support the New Hampshire SPCA through donations, which help provide care for the animals.
