So, You’ve Found Some Kittens…

During kitten season (spring/summer), it’s not unusual to discover a nest of unattended kittens or a single kitten seemingly abandoned by the mother. Usually, Momma Cat is off searching for food or hiding because a human or predator is nearby. A mother cat has to keep herself well-fed to nourish her babies, so she may be gone for several hours. She may also be in the process of moving the babies from one location to another (an indicator is finding a kitten alone) due to a disruption that makes her feel they are no longer safe (such as too much human activity)

There are a few things to consider before jumping in to rescue the kittens.

First, try to determine their age. Kittens under two weeks old will still have their eyes closed or will just barely start to open them. From about two to four weeks old, kittens' eyes will be open, they will be alert, and they will move around more. From four to six weeks old, they are mobile and talkative and may be starting to eat solid food. All kittens under six weeks old are better with their mom.

If you find little ones under six weeks old (and don’t see their mother), don’t take them away just yet. A kitten’s best chance of survival is with her. Watch for a few hours to see if she comes back. Leave a ring of flour around the kittens, then check for mom’s footprints in the flour. If you see her or see evidence that she’s caring for the kittens, leave them where they are. To help, provide food, water and shelter for Mom. She is their best resource! You can also work with Second Chance or another local resource to ensure that mom and kittens get spayed/neutered and vaccinated when they are old enough (8 weeks old, or at least 2lbs)

Getting too close to the kittens can keep Mom from returning, so do your best to watch from at least 35 feet away. Check that the kittens appear healthy and are not in immediate danger from weather, wild animals, dogs, or traffic. If they are sleeping quietly, they most likely are just fine. 

Do not place food near the kittens to lure Momma Cat. She hid her litter away from food sources, knowing food would attract other cats and predators. Healthy kittens can survive several hours without food as long as they are warm. Neonatal kittens are much more at risk of hypothermia than they are of starvation.

After waiting and monitoring, if you still don’t see the mother cat or evidence that she is checking on the babies, you should take action. Without a mom to care for them, young, orphaned kittens require round-the-clock care, including bottle-feeding. If you cannot provide this care, contact Second Chance or another local shelter or rescue.

Kittens over six weeks old are active, playful, fuzzy little bundles who no longer need their mother’s constant care. These babies should be handled differently. If the kittens are healthy, friendly & social, utilize social media and your own personal network to try to place them in homes. You can also email animalcare@secondchancehumane.org to ask if we have the space and resources to help.

Since 1994, the Animal Resource Center and the Shops of Second Chance Humane Society have been dedicated to serving animals in Southwestern Colorado. Our adoption hours are every day from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We are located at 177 County Rd 10, Ridgway, CO. You can view our shelter pets and services online at secondchancehumane.org.