In 2024, at least 112,000 kittens benefited from our life-saving information!

NKC Infographic with impact numbers for 2024

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Since its founding in 2008, The National Kitten Coalition (NKC) has been a driving force behind a profound transformation in the survival rates of kittens. Through dedicated training and educational programs, NKC and its trusted partners have empowered veterinary professionals, animal shelters, rescue organizations, and kitten caregivers with the knowledge and tools to save sick, injured, and orphaned kittens.
“We are proud to have played a vital role in shifting perceptions and practices around kitten care,” said NKC Co-Founder Rosemarie Crawford. “Ten years ago, a kitten less than 8 weeks of age with an illness or injury brought to a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or rescue organization often faced euthanasia. Today, we know they can be saved—and we’ve witnessed incredible success stories because of it. We are passionate about sharing this knowledge with the community because every life is worth fighting for. Together, we’re building a future where kittens have a real chance to thrive.”

Other Data

In the United States, there is no unified reporting system for animal shelters and rescue organizations, and many states do not mandate such reporting. Additionally, some organizations do not differentiate between adult cats and kittens in their statistics. Most define “kittens” by age, but use differing ages. Yet, amidst these challenges, national animal welfare organizations tirelessly strive to piece together the bigger picture, doing their best to estimate and provide valuable data.

This gap is being bridged thanks to the incredible efforts of groups such as Shelter Animals Count and Best Friends Animal Society. These organizations have successfully gathered data from across the country, creating accessible and up-to-date resources that serve as powerful tools for shelters, rescues, and advocates. Their work provides vital data utilized by organizations such as Humane World for Animals and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), empowering a collective movement to save lives and improve animal welfare.

Make sure to join the effort and contribute your data to these vital platforms. By sharing your organization’s information, you can help us build a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges we face and improve outcomes for animals across the country. Together, we can make a bigger difference!

Here is a glimpse of the latest data— a testament to the impact of collaboration, innovation, and the unwavering dedication of those fighting for a brighter future for animals.

Shelter Animal Count

According to unpublished data from Shelter Animals Counts (SAC), in 2024 in the United States:

  • There were 13,527 animal sheltering organizations.
    • 9,417 rescues (organizations without a government contract)
    • 4,110 shelters (government animal services and shelters with and without government contracts)
  • 5,766,000 dogs and cats entered rescues and shelters across the United States, a 1% decrease from 2023.
    • 2,880,000of these were felines, 95% of the total.
    • Kittens make up 57% of feline intakes (SAC defines kittens as 5 months and younger).
  • The adoption rate for cats increased to 64% in 2024, up from 62% in 2023.
  • However, 273,000 cats were euthanized.
  • 79%of non-live outcomes for felines stem from shelter euthanasia and 21% from dying or being lost in care.
    • Kittens accounted for almost 60% of feline non-live outcomes in 2024
      • Among kittens under 5 months, 35% of non-live outcomes occur in those younger than 4 weeks, 38% in kittens 4-8 weeks old, and 27% in those 8 weeks to 5 months.
    • Shelter Animals Count classifies kittens into three categories Birth to < 5 months (Neonate: <4 weeks / Weaned: >4 weeks and <8 weeks / Juvenile: >8 weeks and <5 months).

Best Friends Animal Society

  • Animal Shelter Progress: For the first time since 2020, the number of animals euthanized in shelters has decreased.
  • Overall Decline: Between December 2023 and November 2024, the number of animals euthanized in shelters dropped by 2.4%.
  • Significant Reduction for Cats: Cats are making significant progress in lifesaving efforts, with a 5.1% decrease in the number of cats euthanized in shelters during 2024.
    • The number of cats and kittens euthanized in U.S. shelters reached its lowest point in history, falling to 188,000—a remarkable 10.5% decrease compared to 2023.
  • Record-Low Cat Deaths: The number of cats euthanized in shelters has reached its lowest level in recorded history.
  • Innovative Programs: Shelters have made tremendous strides in life-saving efforts, increasing adoptions and implementing initiatives like community cat programs, staffed overnight kitten nurseries, and return-to-field strategies.

The National Kitten Coalition’s mission is to increase kitten survival rates and transform their lives through the power of education. We know that many animal shelters do not have the resources and/or knowledge to care for neonatal kittens in particular; therefore, we believe neonatal kittens or “bottle kittens” are one of the most vulnerable populations in many animal shelters and are subsequently euthanized.

Our vision is that all neonatal, sick, and other at-risk kittens are given a chance to grow and thrive through life-saving educational programs and positive partnerships among shelters, rescues, veterinarians, and the public.

We want to partner with shelters and rescues and help these front-line animal heroes with their life-saving efforts. We know that education, training, outreach, and information sharing will move us closer to our vision for the future. We are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with shelter and rescue staff and volunteers as we work to reduce euthanasia in kitten populations across the United States.

Note: Spaying and neutering are critical to reducing the number of kittens born each year. Remember, a female cat can become pregnant as young as 4 months of age. The fewer kittens born, the more resources will be available to help kittens and cats who are homeless, sick, or injured. This should help achieve our goal of lowering euthanasia rates for kittens and cats.