Kitten Season: A Vital Period for Adoption Events and Shelters

As summer arrives, so does the critical time known as "kitten season," which sees a surge in the birth of kittens and an influx of cats into shelters across the country. During this period, local animal shelters and PetSmart Charities® are working together to address the needs of these vulnerable animals through organized adoption events aimed at connecting pets with loving homes.

The Importance of Kitten Season

Kitten season represents a peak time when shelters become inundated with young felines, all requiring immediate care, feeding, and ultimately, adoption. Heidi Marston, the Director of Pet Placement at PetSmart Charities, emphasizes, “During the summer, our local shelter partners see a large increase of cats and kittens in need of support.” It’s a call to action for potential adopters to consider opening their homes to these animals in need, as adopting not only saves a life but also frees up vital shelter space for more animals needing care.

National Adoption Week and Increased Cat Ownership

This year’s PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week is taking place from July 21-27, perfectly coinciding with this seasonal influx of kittens. Thanks to a partnership with Hill's Pet Nutrition, which has discovered that over 50% of American pet owners now have cats, there’s a shared commitment to providing nutritious food for adoptable pets during this critical time.

The recent Hill's 2025 State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report highlights the rising trends in cat adoption, largely attributed to their self-sufficient nature, with 62% of pet owners citing it as a reason for their preference for cats. Furthermore, 40% of individuals who do not currently have a cat indicate that they would be likely to adopt one in the future. This provides hope that many of the shelter animals will soon find their forever homes.

The Role of Local Shelters and Adoption Events

During National Adoption Week, numerous local shelters will present adoptable dogs, cats, kittens, and puppies at almost every PetSmart location across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. This initiative grants potential pet parents the chance to meet adoptable pets and receive expert assistance from knowledgeable staff and volunteers about pet care and adoption processes.

PetSmart provides an extensive platform for these shelter partnerships. It’s not only about finding homes for pets but ensuring that these connections enhance the human-animal bond, which is a core value shared by both PetSmart Charities and Hill's Pet Nutrition. Courtney Suthoff, Director of Shelter at Hill's, states, “We are proud to provide high-quality nutrition to adoptable pets and support the incredible work of PetSmart Charities.”

Top Cat-Loving Cities

Adding to the excitement, PetSmart has recently identified the top 25 cat-loving cities in the U.S.—cities where residents not only adopt more cats but also provide them with plenty of love and attention. Cities like Lexington, KY, Green Bay, WI, and Mount Juliet, TN lead this compassionate trend.

How to Participate

For those looking to adopt, National Adoption Week from July 21-27 is the ideal opportunity to find a furry friend. PetSmart stores will be transformed into bustling hubs of adoption activity, so potential adopters are encouraged to visit their nearest location to meet their future pets. If someone is unable to adopt, efforts to assist pets in need can still be made through donations directed to PetSmart Charities via their website.

PetSmart Charities has a long-standing commitment to improving the welfare of pets in need, having helped over 11 million pets find loving homes since its establishment. This summer, during kitten season, joining in the adoption efforts provides everyone the chance to make a tangible difference in an animal’s life.

Conclusion

As kitten season approaches, the chance for positive change arises not just for the kittens but for all shelter animals seeking homes. By participating in National Adoption Week, individuals can help combat the crisis facing animals in shelters and facilitate new beginnings for countless furry companions.