If you work in an animal shelter, you know that some of the most vulnerable residents that come in and out of your facility are the tiny little kittens. Because their little systems are so fragile, it is important that employees and volunteers take every precaution necessary to keep kittens safe and well in shelter situations. Here are some tips.

Identify Each and Every Kitten

When a shelter is full of kittens, many of them are bound to look a lot alike, especially if they are all one color with no noticeable markings. Upon receipt of the cats, make sure to identify each and every one with wristbands around their necks with an ID number. Wristbands designed for animals are ideal because they can easily be written upon in indelible ink, and they are very difficult for animals to remove.

Immunize Immediately/Disinfect Continuously

Kittens' immune systems are not strong yet, making them particularly vulnerable to colisi virus as well as airborne illnesses that may prove fatal to them. Keep kittens in isolation whenever possible to separate them from the general cat population. Immunize them nasally immediately upon entry: this doesn't guarantee that they'll remain healthy, but it can help. Employees and volunteers working with kittens should disinfect their hands continuously, even when wearing rubber gloves.

Have Them Fostered

If you have diligent volunteers or staff who like to foster animals till they're ready for adoption, try to have as many kittens as possible placed in these homes. Kittens are more likely to thrive and remain healthy when they are removed from the stressful and illness-filled shelter facility as much as possible.

Take the time and care necessary to protect the most vulnerable members of a shelter's population: the kittens.

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Wristband Factory (http://www.wristbandfactory.com/) is about wristbands. Ryan Coisson is a freelance writer.