Spring has finally found its way to the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society. The grass is greener. The flowers are blooming. The days are nicer and sunnier.

For GMHS, the arrival of spring brings kitten season. With warmer weather comes an influx of pregnant cats and kittens. You may be thinking—this sounds amazing! Who wouldn’t want to spend months caring for a steady stream of cute little fluff balls? It is true that kittens are adorable, but kitten season is too much of a cute thing.

These unwanted cats and kittens, when not left on the street to fend for themselves, inundate shelters, including GMHS. Pregnant cats and kittens, all requiring shelter and veterinary care, enter the care of GMHS. In fact, the GMHS team cared for more than 1,100 cats and kittens in 2021. With a mild winter and more robust kitten season, this number is expected to increase this year.

You might be wondering what to do if you stumble across kittens born in your community. Please leave them be. Kitt...