Paris Animal Welfare Society says 60 cats and kittens were taken in over two weeks as kitten season peaks

Paris Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), a Bourbon County nonprofit, said it has taken in 60 cats and kittens over the past two weeks, describing a rapid increase in the number of animals needing help as the local kitten season accelerates. In an update shared by LEX 18, PAWS staff said the influx has come at a time when the organization is operating at or near capacity.

Hailey Scott, with PAWS, told LEX 18 that the situation has been “hectic,” with “a lot of sick strays” arriving and “it’s been nonstop.” She said PAWS has seen more cats than dogs and that space and resources have been stretched, with animals coming in “left and right.”

Scott said kitten season is a major driver of the current volume. She explained that from March through October, most litters are born, and she said cats can become pregnant quickly, starting as early as five months old, which can keep the population growing without intervention.

Because of that breeding cycle, Scott emphasized spaying and neutering as the primary long-term step for reducing future intake. She said PAWS offers in-county spaying and neutering for cats at reduced prices, including options as low as $21.20 for feral cats and $42.40 for indoor cats, and that the pricing includes vaccines and a microchip.

PAWS also said it is accepting donations beyond financial contributions. According to LEX 18, the organization is taking kitten and cat food as well as dog food, as staff continue to manage intake needs during the current surge. The organization’s request comes as PAWS tries to sustain care for animals identified as strays and those brought in during the peak period for kittens.

The update did not name a specific number of staff members, foster homes, or veterinary partners handling the increased caseload. It also did not describe any particular case of abuse or a single large incident, focusing instead on the overall steady stream of animals that PAWS has received over a short, two-week window.

With the intake numbers rising during the months when litters are typically most common, PAWS said community support and participation in low-cost spay and neuter services are important for reducing the pressure on shelters and rescue groups. The nonprofit’s next steps, as described by LEX 18, include continuing to accept donations and maintain access to reduced-cost services while the kitten season remains in full swing.