“Kitten Season” has arrived in Baltimore, and the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) reports it is receiving kittens by the box load.

In May 2008, BARCS took in 1,010 animals, the largest number received this year. Of those animals, 619 were cats or kittens.

“Kitten Season” is the unofficial name for the mating season for cats. It begins in the late spring and runs into the early fall. Cats can begin having kittens at six months, and can go into heat every three weeks. The size of an average litter is four to six kittens.

Through June, BARCS has lowered the adoption fees for cats and kittens from $65 to $30 for one, or $50 for two. BARCS is also seeking foster homes willing to care for kittens that are too young to be adopted. Kittens under the age of 8 weeks cannot legally be adopted. If you are interested in fostering cats or kittens contact Debra Rahl at debra.rahl@baltimorecity.gov