KITTENS

​Finding a tiny kitten outside can feel urgent, but the first step is not always to pick them up.

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In many cases, the best thing you can do is wait and watch from a distance. A mother cat may be nearby, moving her kittens, looking for food, or hiding because people are too close. Removing a kitten too soon can put them at greater risk.

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Before intervening, please review this guidance from Alley Cat Allies on how to decide whether a kitten truly needs help or should be left for their mother to continue caring for them.

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When Should You Step In?

 

You should only intervene if:

• Several hours have passed and there is still no sign of the mother cat

• The kitten is clearly sick, injured, cold, dirty, weak, or crying continuously

• The kitten is in immediate danger from traffic, predators, weather, or another unsafe situation

 

If the kitten appears clean, quiet, warm, and tucked away safely, the mother is likely still caring for them.

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If You Intervene, Be Prepared

 

Once you pick up a baby kitten, you are taking their care into your hands. Even if you are only trying to help until someone more experienced is available, the kitten may need immediate support to survive.

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The most important things to know right away are:

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• Keep the kitten warm

 

A baby kitten cannot regulate body temperature well. Warmth comes first.

 

Never feed a cold kitten. Feeding a kitten before they are properly warmed can be dangerous and may be fatal.

 

Use a safe heat source, such as a heating pad set on low under part of the bedding, a warm rice sock, or a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. Always make sure the kitten can move away from the heat if needed.

 

• Do not give cow’s milk

 

Never feed a kitten cow’s milk. Kittens need kitten milk replacement formula, often called KMR. It is available at many pet supply stores, Walmart, PetSmart, Petco, and similar retailers.

 

If you cannot get formula right away, ask for emergency help in our Facebook group. Someone may have supplies or be able to guide you.

 

While you are working on getting formula, a few drops of Karo syrup, honey, or sugar water may help support the kitten’s blood sugar temporarily. This is not a replacement for formula.

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• Young kittens need help going potty

 

If the kitten is under about 3 weeks old, they cannot pee or poop on their own.

After feeding, gently rub the kitten’s genital and anal area with a soft tissue or warm, damp cloth. This mimics what the mother cat would do and encourages the kitten to go potty.