What to Do When You Find a Kitten

Kittens can be or may appear to be abandoned for many reasons. It’s important to determine if a kitten has really been abandoned by a mother cat before taking action.

Why Are Kittens Abandoned?

Kittens may appear to be abandoned while the mother is moving her litter. In this scenario, it is best to wait to see if the mother will return before assuming the kittens have been abandoned.
Kittens may be abandoned within the first 24 hours after birth if the mother feels like she can’t care for them.
A mother may reject a kitten from the litter if she senses that the kitten has a congenital issue.

Download our Fact Sheet on what to do when you’ve found a kitten.

English PDF

Spanish PDF

Steps to Take When You Find Kittens

Check for a momma cat. Ensure the mother is not nearby. Keep children and other animals away and observe for 30 minutes to see if the mother returns. If the mother returns, observe where she moves the kitten(s). If the mother does not return, prepare to care for the kitten or surrender to the local city shelter as a last resort. In Houston, the local animal shelter is BARC.
Regulate their temperature. Kittens cannot regulate their body temperature and do not shiver. They huddle together for warmth and rely on their mother. Cold kittens will cry for attention and become hypothermic and stop crying if not warmed quickly. Their body temperature affects their ability to feed and digest food. If possible, take the kitten’s temperature using a rectal thermometer. Download the instructions on how to take a kitten’s temperature.

If the kitten’s temperature is below 97 degrees F, warm the kitten by placing it inside your shirt against your skin, which can take up to an hour. Alternatively, use a heating pad on low with a folded towel. Place the heating pad in a box, with a rolled towel around the inside to create a snug area, but ensure the kitten can move away from the heat if it gets too hot. Check the temperature every 20 minutes. Maintain a temperature between 98°F and 101°F.

How Old Are the Kittens?

For an easy reference guide with photos to determine the age of kittens and therefore assess how to care for them, please visit www.kittenlady.org/age.

How Do I Feed New Kittens?

Follow the instructions on the milk replacer package for mixing formula. Most pet supply stores such as PetSmart and Petco carry kitten milk and bottles/syringes for feeding, as does Amazon.com and some tractor supply stores. Never feed kittens cow’s milk or any other milk intended for human consumption. Only feed a warm kitten. For feeding method, schedule and other important tips, download our Found a Kitten (PDF) handout .

For comprehensive kitten care guides along with supply lists, training videos, and tutorials, visit www.kittenlady.org/kitten-care.

Why I Foster…

“We started fostering after our personal pets all passed as we hope to travel extensively. Fostering fills the void when we are home and our goal is to fill them with love before their journey. It’s always hard to let go but the posts from other fosters make you know that you are not alone. Plus, there’s always another to help. RPM has made such a difference for Houston area animals. I always feel supported and heard.”

Robbyn