One of the biggest questions new kitten parents have is: “How often should I clean the litter box?” The answer: Probably more often than you think. Especially with kittens.

At Esther Neonatal Kitten Alliance, we knew we needed to offer around-the-clock support to our foster parents — but we also knew that burning out our staff wasn’t an option. So, we got creative. Here’s how we built a 24/7 foster emergency support system that actually works — and how your rescue or shelter can, too.

If we want to keep saying “yes” to kittens from overcrowded shelters, bottle babies found outside, or kittens in urgent need of medical help, we have to make sure that adoptable animals are seen, noticed, and chosen. Adoptions are the engine that keeps the rescue machine running. So when things slow down? We have to adjust.

At Esther Neonatal Kitten Alliance, we want every adoption to be a success — not just for the kittens, but for you. So here are some key questions to help you decide if now’s the moment to welcome a new furry friend into your life.

Fostering is one of the most powerful ways you can help animals in need, especially during kitten season when shelters and rescues like Esther Neonatal Kitten Alliance are overwhelmed with babies who need urgent care. But if you’re feeling a little nervous, don’t worry — that’s totally normal. Here’s a beginner-friendly breakdown of what to expect when you take in your first foster kittens.

Every spring, the floodgates open: shelters overflow, kittens are found in boxes or backyards, and calls for help come in daily. The only way we can say “yes” to these emergencies is because of the steady, reliable support from our Last Chance Lifeline Coalition — our community of monthly donors.

Foster parents pour their hearts into caring for the tiniest, most fragile lives — and sometimes, despite everything, those lives slip away. At Esther Neonatal Kitten Alliance, we want to say this clearly: You are not alone. You are not a failure. And your love mattered.

Whether your kitten is bold and curious or shy and cautious, here are gentle ways to nurture connection and help them feel like they truly belong — heart, paws, and all.

Rescues like ours can’t do it alone. Shelters can’t do it alone either. But together, we can build a safety net strong enough to catch the most vulnerable lives — from bottle babies to senior cats.

Spaying and neutering are some of the most important — and most misunderstood — procedures in animal rescue. If you're a new adopter or foster parent, it's completely normal to feel nervous about putting a kitten or cat through surgery.

So you’re ready to adopt a cat — amazing! You’re about to change a life (and maybe your furniture forever). But now comes the big question: Should you adopt a kitten or an adult cat?

Thinking about fostering kittens but not sure if you’re ready? Use this simple checklist to see if fostering might be a great fit for you right now.

Here are our favorite self-care tips for foster parents during kitten season.

Every kitten we save, every supply delivered, every adoption that changes a life — it all starts with the heart and hands of a volunteer.

Whether you're a busy student, a full-time worker, or someone unsure about a long-term commitment, short-term fostering can still be life-saving.

Opening your home to foster kittens is one of the most impactful, life-saving things you can do — but like anything new, it comes with a learning curve. Whether you're bottle-feeding newborns or socializing shy weaned kittens, it’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed at first.

The first 24 hours are all about creating a gentle, positive transition for your new little friend. Kittens are resilient, but a new environment can be overwhelming — so your role is to provide calm, comfort, and space to adjust. Here’s what to expect, what to do, and how to set your kitten up for success from day one.

If you’ve ever wondered whether one shift at a rescue really makes a difference, let us reassure you — it does.

The truth is: saving even one fragile kitten isn’t cheap. But every dollar spent is a direct investment in a life that might not have made it without help.

One of the most common myths about fostering is that it’s only possible if you’re home all day. But the truth is, you can absolutely foster kittens while working full-time.