Kitten season is out of control. Are warmer winters to blame?

It’s almost that magical time of year that the Humane Society of America likens to a “natural disaster.” Kitten season is upon us. Ann Dunn, director of Oakland Animal Services, describes the emotional toll this season takes on shelters. Across the United States, summer marks the peak of “kitten season,” with warmer weather causing cats to become more fertile. Experts believe climate change may be contributing to the lengthening of kitten season. Unweaned kittens are a common sight in shelters, prompting concerns about the impact of feral cat populations on local biodiversity. Scientists remain divided on how to address the issue, with sterilization efforts facing challenges in controlling cat populations effectively. Shelters are struggling to cope with the influx of kittens, with foster volunteer programs becoming crucial in caring for these vulnerable lives. Could warmer winters be the cause of this kitten season chaos?