HILL'S PET NUTRITION AND KITTEN LADY HANNAH SHAW TEAM UP TO HELP SAVE MORE KITTENS AND SUPPORT SHELTERS DURING BUSY KITTEN SEASON

Initiative aims to reduce fostering barriers and support shelters facing an uptick in tiny felines during this critical time

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Every spring and summer, animal shelters across the country face a surge of vulnerable kittens in need of care—a time known as "kitten season." According to Shelter Animals Count, kittens under five months made up 57% of all feline shelter intakes last year, with neonates (kittens under four weeks old) requiring intensive, around-the-clock care. This overwhelming demand often strains already-stretched shelter resources, leaving many kittens at risk without community support.

To address this critical issue, Hill's Pet Nutrition—backed by a 22-year commitment to shelter pets through its Food, Shelter & Love program—has teamed up with award-winning kitten rescuer and educator Hannah Shaw (aka Kitten Lady) to rally support for kittens and shelters on the frontlines. The collaboration aims to inspire more people to foster by equipping them with valuable resources that instill confidence while highlighting the critical role of nutrition in every kitten's journey.

How Fostering Works – and How Easy It Can Be
Despite the lifesaving impact of fostering, only 1 in 10 Americans have ever fostered pets, according to findings from the upcoming Hill's 2025 State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report. Fostering is a rewarding way to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable kittens while addressing a great need for shelters and rescues. Most shelters typically provide everything a foster needs from food and supplies to veterinary care, removing any financial barriers so fosters only need to provide the love and care.

"Having fostered over 1,000 animals, I've seen firsthand how impactful fostering can be," said Shaw. "By opening your home to a kitten in need, you're not only giving them a better life but also helping shelters focus their resources where they're needed most. Fostering doesn't require any special experience—just a loving heart and a willingness to help. I'm proud to partner with Hill's to show how accessible and rewarding it can be to foster."

How Hill's Supports Shelters and Fosters
For more than 20 years, Hill's has been a partner to shelters, providing vital, high-quality nutrition to more than 1,000 shelters in North America and helping more than 15 million pets find new homes.

Many Hill's-supported shelters offer complimentary Hill's Science Diet Kitten foods to foster families, ensuring that kittens receive the specialized nutrition they need to grow and thrive. Once kittens are ready for adoption, Hill's continues to support their healthy start by offering New Pet Parent Kits, which include a starter bag of Hill's Science Diet food and helpful resources for new pet parents.

"Nutrition plays a vital role in a kitten's early development, and early exposure to a variety of food textures and flavors is key," said Lisa Restine, DVM, DABVP (feline), feline professional veterinary affairs manager at Hill's Pet Nutrition. "Hill's Science Diet Kitten foods are carefully formulated with balanced minerals to support growing bones and teeth and an antioxidant blend of Vitamins C & E to support developing immune systems. Science Diet Kitten is available in dry, wet and stew, and with different protein options to help fosters and new adopters introduce their kittens to different forms of food, setting them up for long-term success."

Join Us to Help Save More Kittens
Whether you're ready to foster or looking for other ways to support, there's never been a more crucial time to open your home to kittens in need or support your local shelter. Here's how you can help:

• Purchase: Every time you purchase Hill's products, you help more kittens in shelters find new homes; visit Hillspet.com/kitten-food
• Learn: Explore tips and resources from Kitten Lady at Kittenlady.org/kitten-care
• Volunteer or Donate: Support your local shelter even if you can't foster right now.
• Foster: To learn more about Hill's support and find a shelter near you, visit Hillspet.com/shelter

About Hill's Pet Nutrition  
Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to science-led pet nutrition, Hill's Pet Nutrition is on a mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill's is dedicated to pioneering research for dogs and cats using a scientific understanding of their specific needs. As a leading veterinarian recommended pet food brand, knowledge is our first ingredient with nearly 200 veterinarians, PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health. Hill's Prescription Diet therapeutic nutrition plus our everyday wellness product line, Hill's Science Diet, are sold at vet clinics and pet specialty retailers worldwide. For more information about our products and nutritional philosophy, visit HillsPet.com. 

Media Contact
Ariana Brancato, [email protected]

SOURCE Hill's Pet Nutrition