Sometimes a creature enters your world and touches your heart in such a way that changes you. We experienced that recently at Palmetto Animal League when Mama Maple came into our lives. While the name Mama Maple may evoke visions of a sweet, doting grandmother, our Mama Maple is just a baby, maybe 6 months old, preparing to give birth to kittens soon. 

“This comes as a surprise to many, but cats can become pregnant at 4 months of age,” says PAL President Amy Campanini. “Finding Mama Maple in this condition broke my heart because she is just a kitten herself.”  

PAL saved Mama Maple from a local shelter where there is no adoption option, making recue her only way out. After our vets checked her over, we immediately started making calls and found Mama Maple a loving foster home where she can raise her babies in a safe, quiet place. 

Mama Maple is one of the lucky ones. Unfortunately, her story is all too common in the world of animal rescue. You see, our warm weather climate allows breeding to take place nearly year-round, leaving our shelters overcrowded with wonderful but forgotten pets. 

“It is easy to see why we have so many homeless cats in the south,” says Campanini. “If left unaltered, she could have 4 litters of kittens per year!”

Thanks to PAL’s committed network of caring fosters, Mama Maple’s life will take a much different path. Once her kittens are weaned and she is spayed, the lovely “Miss” Maple will be available for adoption at PAL! 

We’re barely out of February, but kitten season is already making itself known. Palmetto Animal League needs your help to prepare for dozens of litters of kittens that will come under our care this spring. There are two ways you can help. Visit www.PalmettoAnimalLeague.org and click on Kitten Shower for a link to send essential supplies directly to our adoption center via Amazon. Another option is to donate kitten supplies in person at the PAL Adoption Center, located at 56 Riverwalk Blvd in Okatie, Saturday, March 7 from 12pm-2pm during our Kitten Shower! Visitors will enjoy kitten-themed fun for the whole family, including refreshments, a craft for kids and information about hands-on volunteer opportunities with kittens.

Because of folks like you, PAL will be able to give every spring kitten a great start in life! Your special Kitten Shower gift, donated in person or online, will help these furry, little newborns grow healthy and strong as they prepare for adoption. Every gift, no matter the size, will make a difference because when it comes to caring for babies, the littlest things can make the biggest difference. 

Lindsay Perry, PAL Marketing Coordinator

Click here to see this story and other local news in The Bluffton Sun. 

Thank you to our PAL Partners in Rescue, The Bluffton Sun and The Hilton Head Sun for being beacons of compassion and hope for homeless pets in our community. Please show your support for these local animal loving businesses!