Cat and kitten intakes throughout the city were up double-digit percentages in June, the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services announced Friday, and officials said it has become difficult to board them all in the space they have.

The department said its Animal Services Centers took in 7,002 cats and kittens in May and June. Compared with June 2018, kitten intake was up 20 percent and cat intake was up 15 percent.

“We will continue to brainstorm to do our very best to find positive outcomes for the animals in our care,” said Brenda Barnette, the animal services general manager. “What we really need right now is for cat-loving Angelenos to foster or adopt now more than ever. Our amazing foster volunteers provide a place for kittens or cats to stay and gives them the care they need to thrive” for a few weeks or a couple months.

Officials said there wasn’t one large event that brought the numbers up this year, rather the rate spiked during a typically high-volume birthing time of the year.

“This kitten season just went into full swing and then some,” said Justin Khosrowabadi, a spokesperson for animal services.

The department said it plans to participate in upcoming adoption events and programs with the Paula Kent Meehan Pet Care Foundation, Best Friends and Petco. All cat adoption fees are waived through a grant from the ASPCA, the department stated.

People who would like to volunteer as a foster cat parent can sign up at bit.ly/LAASFostering or visit an Animal Services Center and ask for a foster volunteer application.

All six centers are open 8 a.m -5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.

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