L.A. shelters see sharp rise in cat and kitten euthanasia rates

Data from Los Angeles animal shelters show that cat euthanasia rose 32% and kitten euthanasia climbed 43% during the first six months of the year versus the same timeframe in 2025. Nearly 900 kittens were put down, up from about 600, while 1,142 cats over eight weeks old were euthanized. The increase coincided with a 30% surge in kitten intake in April and a 177% jump in euthanasia that month, reflecting an influx of stray and community cats.

City officials point to limited funding for spay-neuter vouchers, which have not kept pace with demand, as a contributing factor. Activists such as Christi Metropole and Lisa Lange call for more resources to sterilize cats before they reproduce, noting that California experiences two kitten seasons each year. Additional funding for shelter staffing is slated to arrive via a $14-million grant, though some argue the money should prioritize direct animal care.