Kitten Shelter Diversion in Gainesville, FL, needs $2,000 for Spay/Neuter Program

Operation Catnip of Gainesville needs $2,000 to keep kittens out of shelters. Our Kitten Shelter Diversion (KSD) Program is the alternative to relinquishment at our over-crowded shelters for residents who find kittens in their backyards. By keeping these kittens out of the shelters, the KSD program prevents overcrowding and the risk of euthanasia.

In 2023, Operation Catnip kept 1,249 kittens out of local shelters through the KSD. Those kittens who would now be living outside are instead in loving homes, sourced by their caregivers through social networks or online rehoming resources. It also decreases the burden upon resources and staff, increasing resources that can be spent on other animals.

Operation Catnip spays and neuters all the kittens, provides tools necessary for the caregivers to find homes for the kittens through their social networks, and works with the caregivers to trap the queen and other cats in their area to stop the cycle.

Operation Catnip provides support for success, including preventative medical care, sick kitten care, vaccines, worming, and finally spay or neuter upon graduation from the program. Without this program, caregivers would either surrender the kittens to one of our local shelters or give them away to family and friends unaltered, thus extending the reproductive cycle.

At Operation Catnip, spay-neuter is always our priority. This fundraising goal of $2,000 will provide full services for 30 kittens in our KSD. Together, we can make amazing things happen for animals.