Midwest Meowfest brings kitten advocacy to attendees, new homes to rescues
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Cat lovers, rescue groups and veterinarians gathered in South Bend this weekend for Midwest Meowfest, an event blending feline-focused fun with a serious message: shelters need help as kitten season ramps up.
Organizers said the festival was designed not only to celebrate cats and engage with the community, but also to educate.
“Kitten season” — typically spanning from early spring through late fall — brings a surge of litters as unspayed cats reproduce in warmer weather. Animal welfare organizations estimate that millions of kittens enter US shelters each year during this period, with intake peaking around May.
“We’re already seeing pregnant cats coming in,” said Matt Russell, outreach coordinator for the St. Joseph County Humane Society. “We’ve had a couple kittens born already, so it’s already begun.”
National shelter data says that kittens under 8 weeks old make up one of the most vulnerable populations. Studies have found mortality rates for shelter kittens between four and eight weeks can approach 30 percent to 40 percent, particularly for those without maternal care. Neonatal kittens under four weeks require round-the-clock feeding and temperature regulation, making them especially difficult for shelters to manage without foster support.
To address this, rescues like the St Joseph Human Society are advocating for fostering.
“We really try to do a push for fostering, even if it’s short term,” Russell said. “Taking in bottle feeders that might not have a mother, even just for a night or two, can make a huge difference.”
Foster programs not only improve survival rates for kittens but also ease overcrowding and positively contribute to the animal's social development.
“Not only are you saving a life by fostering, but you’re actually saving two lives,” Russell said. “You’re opening up space at the shelter for more animals that are coming in.”
Spaying and neutering pets remain one of the most effective ways to reduce the number of unwanted litters.
“Spay and neuter is the best thing, not only to prevent kitten population as much as possible, but also for their health,” said Nicole McCollough, a registered veterinary technician at Lakeland Animal Care. “If you do find kittens, call a clinic or rescue. There are people who can help.”
The event also featured an “Adoption Village,” where attendees could meet adoptable cats from local shelters. For some, the experience led to new beginnings.
Sharon Solloway, who recently lost her cat, attended the event and adopted a cat named Florence.
“There was a dear family member, their last name was Florie. And when she said Florence, all I could think was Florie,” Solloway said. “That was a sure sign of God”
Midwest Meowfest was organized by Kim Sult, owner of The Cat Lady Cafe, which has facilitated more than 300 adoptions here locally — much like the adoption of Florence.
As shelters nationwide prepare for peak intake months, organizers stressed there is no pressure for people to adopt, but encouraged donations, volunteering and education to support animal care efforts.