It’s springtime in southern Arizona. The birds are chirping, the weather is warmer and this season of rebirth and renewal marks the beginning of “kitten season”, that time of year when shelters or other rescue organizations become inundated with kittens. Fortunately, The Hermitage provides a safe haven for many pregnant females and kittens when other local shelters have “no room at the inn.”

Currently, the Hermitage medical department is caring for nearly 75 kittens and several nursing mothers. Once they reach two pounds, the kittens will be spayed or neutered and ready for adoption at The Hermitage’s annual Kitten Shower, held at 10 a.m., June 28, at the shelter.

June is National Adopt-a-Cat Month, and kitten frenzy aside, The Hermitage currently has more than 275 wonderful felines available for adoption. The adoption staff at the Hermitage, known for their “matchmaking” skills, is always ready to tour potential adopters through the shelter to search for their perfect feline companion. Adoption fees include spay or neuter, shots, microchip, a free follow-up wellness check and food.

During June, The Hermitage, a nonprofit organization, reminds the southern Arizona community about feral (wild) or stray cats. They have a terrible reputation for breaking things, scraping up the garden, spraying the walls and yowling at all hours of the day and night. But the chances are that they used to be someone’s beloved kitty, and now they’re terrified and alone. Many feral cats are just strays that have gotten lost or were abandoned to make their own way in the world when their family moved.

The Hermitage offers low-cost, humane trap rentals and classes to help trap, spay or neuter and return the cats to their colony. The traps are lightweight and easy to use. The staff can’t help convince a wily kitty to get into the traps, but they are always available for questions and also provide an easy-to-use checklist to source the materials needed prior to starting a trapping expedition and to stay safe. After surgery, the kitties can’t reproduce, so the colony numbers will stabilize and eventually decrease.

The Hermitage has been in existence 49 years. It is an adoption facility and long-term sanctuary not only for healthy felines, but also for felines that are adoption-challenged because they are FIV or FeLV-positive or have other types of chronic health issues. For those interested in adopting or volunteering, the shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Adoptions can also be arranged at Petco, Petsmart or the Hermitage Thrift Store.

The Hermitage Cat Shelter is located at 5278 E. 21st St. For more information, call 520-571-7839, email [email protected] or visit HermitageCatShelter.org.