Augusta Cat Rescue Takes in 60 Kittens in Three Weeks, Needs Fosters

The Cat House at Canine Pawsabilities has accepted close to 60 kittens over the past three weeks. Only six fosters are available. The Augusta nonprofit serves Richmond and Columbia counties and grapples with mounting expenses as kitten season arrives in the CSRA.

Director Danielle Johnson said the group spends around $2,600 each month on care. Spay and neuter procedures plus medical expenses totaled close to $60,000 last year.

"All of our fosters are volunteers, and most of the money we get to take care of the cats is donations or from us working, but we love what we do. Anytime we can save a cat means the world to us," Johnson said, per WRDW.

The rescue has operated for about a year. Renee Nehlsen has fostered for more than 12 years, and bottle feeds neonatal kittens every two hours.

"It's the nurturing, and it's a passion of mine to just be able to hold these tiny itty bitty things and help them grow," Nehlsen said.

Not all newborns survive. Some arrive in poor condition.

"Sometimes when they come in, you just warm them up because they'll be so cold, and you'll warm them up and give them a little food and stuff and just some love and hold them till they pass away. So it's sometimes it's hard," she said.

Johnson urged residents to leave kittens alone if they appear healthy. Mother cats often leave their young while hunting. They return.

Nehlsen encourages people to consider fostering despite the time commitment. "It is a big commitment, but I think anyone who the passion, time, or finances should try it," she said.