Hundreds of kittens coming into the SPCA each week need to find homes. Photo / SPCA
The Auckland SPCA has been inundated with kittens because of unseasonably warmer weather extending cats' typical breeding season.
It's calling for foster and "forever" homes.
Veterinary manager Dr Shalsee Vigeant said the autumn weather in May had led to a higher number of kittens.
"Cats normally start breeding during the warmer weather around October and it should start to slow as the mercury drops from April. This year we're just not seeing that.
"We would expect to have very few kittens at this time of year, but they're continuing to stream in. We're still seeing hundreds of kittens coming into the SPCA each week and we need to find foster and eventually forever homes for all of them."
SPCA Auckland usually helps about 5000 kittens a year but had made a "significant dent" in the numbers thanks to intensive de-sexing campaigns.
"People often ask how they can help the SPCA," Dr Vigeant said.
"While we definitely need foster and forever homes for our cats and kittens, it's a short term fix for an immediate problem. One of the most helpful things you can do for animal welfare in this country is get your pets de-sexed. It's so simple, but it goes such a long way in reducing unwanted animal numbers and helping the SPCA focus on things like the inspectorate, education and animal advocacy."
SPCA Auckland's Animal Village is open from 10am to 4pm every day at 50 Westney Rd in Mangere.
• For more information on adopting a pet or becoming a foster parent, visit www.spcaauckland.org.nz.
It's understood a NZDF aircraft and multiple helicopters are involved.