Arizona Humane Society Celebrates First Baby Bottle Graduating Class of 2023

PHOENIX (June 1, 2023) – Pomp, circumstance and – kittens! School is officially out for summer and the Valley’s tiniest graduates are now looking for their forever homes.

The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) is on pace to care for more orphaned kittens this year than it has in almost a decade. More than 700 kittens under the age of eight weeks, a 20 percent increase from 2022, have received care in the AHS Bottle Baby Kitten ICU and Kitten Nursery in the last two months alone. With the help of AHS staff, volunteers, fosters, and 24/7 specialized care, the shelter is expecting to care for more than 2,000 orphaned kittens in 2023.

The most recent class of bottle baby graduates are ready for adoption, with approximately 300 kittens graduating in the coming weeks. Those interested in adopting are encouraged to visit azhumane.org/adopt.

Summer continues to be a busy season for AHS. Due to the state’s unique climate, kitten season in the Valley runs from approximately mid-March to October. Prior to adoption, young kittens require 24-hour care until they can gain weight and eat on their own. Community members can help alleviate an increase in orphaned kittens entering Valley shelters by not kit-napping and understanding the steps to take to ensure kittens in their neighborhood are being cared for.

For those unable to add a permanent furry friend to their family but can provide temporary care, AHS is always in need of Bottle Baby Foster Heroes to help provide care to kittens who are ready to graduate from the ICU but aren’t quite old enough for a forever home. To learn more about AHS’ Foster Hero program, visit azhumane.org/foster.