Found Baby Kittens

Kitten season is almost upon us, but what can you do if you find baby kittens? Here is some very helpful advice from Austin Pets Alive!, one of Care2′s wonderful Butterfly Rewards partners.

What do you do if you find kittens?

If you find young kittens without their mom, it does not automatically mean they have been abandoned by their mother. The mother could be out looking for food, or finding a more suitable home for her kittens. If you find one or two kittens, their mother may be in the process of moving the family and is on her way back for the others. Wait and observe from a distance for an hour or two. Kittens have the best chance of survival with their mother. Ultimately, you have to use your own judgment, depending upon the kittens’ needs and your time and resources.

Please keep in mind that if you bring the cats inside you should keep them separate from your animals until evaluated by a veterinarian.

For proper social development, kittens should be kept with their litter (and mother, if possible) until at least 8 weeks of age.

Next page: What to do when you find kittens without a mother

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Read more: Cats, Pets, kittens, stray

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Janet B.

2:44PM PST on Jan 30, 2013

Take babies to shelter or vet...adopt babies! Get neutered, and spayed.shots, micro, etc. take home, and love.......

January 30
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Michele W.

9:07AM PDT on Aug 18, 2012

Thank you

August 18
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Valentina R.

8:31AM PDT on Aug 18, 2012

Good advice, thanks.

Kathy P.

5:25PM PDT on May 23, 2012

thanks so much. GREAT info

May 23
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Gabriella B.

5:04PM PST on Feb 23, 2012

Good advice, thank you. More likely to find coyote cubs around here, though, we have an overabundance of those (which means likely no kittens).

February 23
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Sarah M.

3:14PM PST on Feb 18, 2012

Thank you!

February 18
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Carrie-Anne B.

5:03AM PST on Feb 18, 2012

useful and interesting article, thanks for sharing :)

Michelle L.

4:11PM PST on Feb 17, 2012

The author of this article is an idiot. Kittens should always be taken to a shelter for adoption to ensure they are vaccinated and spay/neutered before going into an adoptive home.

February 17
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4:08PM PST on Feb 17, 2012

I would never recommend adding a posting to Craig's List about kittens needing a foster. Many unscrupulous people search Craig's List for animals to use for research, food for other animals, etc. If you find kittens and you can't foster yourself, please call your local humane society or animal shelter.

Beverly G.

5:27PM PST on Feb 15, 2012

sensible advice from KAREN F. dont lay kittens on their backs to feed they will choke. . They dont lay on them backs when they get fud from mom.