Kitten Season Marks Critical Time for Cats and Shelters in Need Ahead of Nationwide Adoption Events
PetSmart Charities is leading a nationwide effort to help pets meet potential pet parents through in-store adoption events during PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week (July 21-27). Local animal welfare partners will bring adoptable pets of all breeds, ages, sizes and temperaments to PetSmart stores across the nation. People looking to grow their family are encouraged to stop by a local PetSmart store and find the ideal furry match.
This month’s adoption event culminates during peak “kitten season,” during which the majority of kittens are born in the warmer summer months. This surge of vulnerable kittens and cats can flood shelters in need of 24-hour care, feeding, fostering and finding loving homes.
“During the summer, our local shelter partners see a large increase of cats and kittens in need of support, constant care and feeding,” said Heidi Marston, director of pet placement at PetSmart Charities. “During July’s National Adoption Week, we ask potential adopters to consider adding to their pack. Whether adopting a cat, kitten, dog or puppy, not only is one life saved but valuable shelter space also opens to help save the life of another pet in need.”
Hill’s Pet Nutrition 2025 Pet Study reveal half of Americans are cat parents
Cats are continuing to see a surge in popularity as more than 50 percent of American pet owners now own a cat, according to the Hill’s 2025 State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report. The study also found that the rising trend in cat ownership is largely in part because of cats’ self-sufficient nature (62 percent).
With 40 percent of Americans also reporting that they would likely adopt a cat in the future, Hill’s is once again supporting PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week events, providing Hill’s Science Diet pet food to all the Adoption Centers in PetSmart stores across the US. These partnerships closely align with Hill’s 23-year mission to support animal welfare through Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program, which provides science-led nutrition to more than 1,000 shelters across North America. Hill’s and PetSmart Charities share a commitment to helping pets find loving families and to strengthening the bond between pets and people.
“Our long-standing partnership with PetSmart Charities is built on a shared dedication to the human animal bond,” said Courtney Suthoff, director of shelter at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “During National Adoption Week, especially with the surge of ‘kitten season,’ we are proud to provide high-quality nutrition to adoptable pets and support the incredible work of PetSmart Charities in connecting these animals with loving families, all while strengthening the invaluable relationship between pets and their people.”
PetSmart releases new index of the top 25 most cat-loving US cities
PetSmart recently unveiled the top 25 cat-loving cities leading this trend – where residents are not only adopting more cats but spoiling them most. Lexington, KY, Green Bay, WI and Mount Juliet, TN topped the list.
PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week details
During PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week, thousands of local shelters will bring adoptable pets including dogs, cats, kittens and puppies into nearly every PetSmart store across the US and Puerto Rico. Potential pet parents will have the chance to interact with the adoptable pets with staff and volunteers available to help educate potential adopters on any pet care needs.
Dates: July 21-27, 2025
Locations: Nearly every one of PetSmart stores across the US and Puerto Rico. Visit PetSmart to find the closest store.
Those interested in other ways to support adoptable pets can still make an impact by donating funds to help pets in need at PetSmart Charities. They also can find their match when the time is right by visiting PetSmart Charities for adoptable pets, adoption centers and events.