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LOLLYPOP FARM PREPARES FOR KITTEN SEASON SURGE

FAIRPORT, N.Y. – As spring arrives in Western New York, communities throughout the region are seeing an influx of kittens. Animal welfare organizations across the United States, including Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, are mobilizing resources to meet the urgent needs of these newborn animals during this time known as “kitten season.”

“Kitten season” is often referred to as the time frame around spring and summer in which more cats give birth to litters of kittens. While cats can have kittens throughout the year, litters are more common in the warmer weather. Through foster care programs, veterinary services, adoption opportunities, and educational outreach, the organization is committed to ensuring that every animal has a chance at a healthy start and a loving home.

Among the many kittens receiving care this season is a tiny orphan who recently found an unexpected second chance.

The kitten was brought to Lollypop Farm after a concerned community member reported that her mother was not caring for her. Alone and crying out, she needed immediate support. Around the same time, a cat named Dorothy was at the shelter awaiting her spay surgery alongside her two grown kittens.

Hearing the newborn’s cries from nearby, Dorothy began to respond.

With patience and encouragement from Lollypop Farm’s experienced veterinary and foster care teams, staff carefully introduced the two. After some time, Dorothy began grooming the kitten and eventually allowed her to nurse, accepting the orphan as her own.

While the kitten initially struggled to gain weight, supplemental feedings and close monitoring from her foster family helped ensure she continued to grow stronger each day. Now beginning to eat on her own, she still seeks Dorothy for warmth and comfort. Their bond has given the kitten the stability she needed to survive.

“Warmer months bring a significant surge of vulnerable newborns into our care, many of whom need round-the-clock attention to survive,” said Alice Calabrese, President and CEO of Lollypop Farm. “It’s also a powerful reminder of what’s possible when compassion meets action. Stories like this show just how critical our programs and community support are. We truly can’t do this work alone. Fostering, adopting, and donating all play a vital role in helping us give every kitten the chance to grow up safe, healthy, and loved.”

In addition to its foster care program, Lollypop Farm offers a variety of resources to support pet owners in the Greater Rochester region, including low-cost veterinary care, pet food assistance, and behavioral support. These programs are designed to keep pets in loving homes and prevent animals from entering shelters whenever possible.

Ways to Help:

  • Foster: Lollypop Farm provides all supplies and medical care for foster families. Learn more at lollypop.org/foster.
  • Adopt: Give a kitten or adult cat a loving home. View available animals at lollypop.org/animals/cats.
  • Donate Supplies: Visit the Kitten Wishlist to send formula, bottles, warmers, and other critical supplies directly to Lollypop Farm.

As kitten season continues, Lollypop Farm encourages the community to get involved and help to ensure every kitten has the chance to grow up safe, healthy, and loved.

To discover how Lollypop Farm is impacting the Greater Rochester region through life-saving animal care, essential services, advocacy efforts, and impactful educational programming, or to learn how you can get involved, visit www.lollypop.org.

About Lollypop Farm

Established in 1873, Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023, is the largest animal welfare organization helping pets and people in the Greater Rochester area. Lollypop Farm is committed to creating a just and compassionate world for all animals. Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life-saving care. With its main campus in Fairport and a satellite adoption center in Greece Ridge Mall, the organization provides shelter, care, and adoption for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, horses, and other farm animals. Lollypop Farm is an independent, nonprofit organization supported through donations and program fees. For more information and to meet current animals available for adoption, please visit www.lollypop.org and follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

About Kindness for All Kind
Construction is underway on Lollypop Farm’s Kindness for All Kind project! Together, we’re building a brighter future for animals and the people who care for them throughout the Greater Rochester area and beyond. This visionary project will create a safe haven for animals in need, offer compassion to those seeking help, and provide unwavering support to the community and caregivers who make second chances possible every day.

Kindness for All Kind will enhance our abilities to care for animals and serve our community. The innovative project includes a new Animal Intake Center, enhanced Dog Holding Facilities, a community-focused Welcome Center, the Karpus Family Foundation Learning Center, expanded farm facilities, a modernized Maintenance Barn, and a Donations and Support Center to meet the growing needs of Lollypop Farm and the community. To learn more about Kindness for All Kind, including how you can support this generational investment in compassion and community, visit lollypop.org/kindness or contact Cathie Wright, Vice President of Donor Relations, at (585) 223-1330 ext. 245 or at wright@lollypop.org.

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