Collingwood shelter hosts a ‘shower’ for its soon-to-be-born kittens

Georgian Triangle Humane Society launches kitten baby 'shower' appeal to support pregnant cats and newborn kittens. Tue., May 5, 2026. PHOTO: GTHS

Chica is one lucky cat, and so are her kittens.

Chica arrived at the Georgian Triangle Humane Society (GTHS) just in time to be placed with longtime foster volunteers Don and Brenda Stockman. The Stockman’s have now fostered 96 cats and kittens over the years, including 81 through the GTHS.

When Chica arrived at their home on a Friday afternoon, she was expected to give birth in about 10 days. By Sunday night, her water had broken. By Monday morning, five kittens had arrived.

“I thought we had lots of time to get to know Chica before her kittens arrived,” said Brenda Stockman, GTHS foster volunteer. “She was very shy at first and spent the first couple of days hiding.

“Then on Sunday, she finally came out, let me pet her, and showed us what a big purrer she is, even purring while she was in labour. Everything happened much faster than expected, but thankfully she was safe, warm, and exactly where she needed to be,” said Marsh.

To that end, the Humane Society is currently caring for 10 cats who arrived pregnant, with some kittens already born and more expected in the coming days.

To help meet the immediate need, the organization is hosting a Kitten Shower until May 10, inviting the community to make a donation or send much-needed supplies to support their care.

“Kitten season always brings added pressure, but this year we are seeing that need very early,” said Karen Marsh, executive director of the Georgian Triangle Humane Society.

“Pregnant cats and newborn litters require a significant amount of care, space, supplies, and veterinary support. Our team, along with our foster volunteers, is doing everything we can to make sure these cats and kittens have what they need from the moment they arrive,” Marsh said.

The fundraising appeal will help provide essential supplies and support for cats and kittens in care, including kitten formula, food, bedding, medical care, monitoring, and safe, quiet spaces where cats can give birth, recover, and nurse their kittens.

The fundraising appeal will help provide essential supplies and support for cats and kittens in care, including kitten formula, food, bedding, medical care, monitoring, and safe, quiet spaces where cats can give birth, recover, and nurse their kittens.

“Every foster home, every donation, and every item from our wish list helps us respond when animals need us,” said Marsh. “This appeal is about making sure we can be ready for the kittens already here and the ones still on the way.”

Community members can support the Kitten Shower appeal by making a donation, purchasing supplies from the GTHS wish list, or learning more about becoming a foster volunteer.

The Kitten Shower appeal runs until May 10, ending on Mother’s Day, because of community support, these moms are not alone.