When you find kittens, your first reaction shouldn't be to move them or take them to the shelter! In fact if you found a kitten or kittens, pause, and follow these easy steps.
Click here for information on what to do when you find a dog.
Click here for information on what to do when you find a cat.
Don’t touch the kittens, take a look around to identify if they are in a place with a known threat such as traffic.
Only move the kittens if necessary and keep them nearby so mom can find them!
Healthy kittens have clean fur and big bellies. Sickly kittens will be thin, dirty and possibly have crusty eyes or nasal discharge. If the kittens look healthy and there is no known threat where they are, leave them there. I know it’s hard because we are so used to intervening, but think of them during this time like you would a nest of baby birds. Mom is probably coming right back even if they’re alone for a moment.
Once you see the mom coming back, you can rest assured that the kittens are okay to stay. Cat moms are not likely to abandon their babies.
The city or animal shelter will likely ask you if you are willing to foster and care for the kittens, or will help you determine what to do if not.
We know it’s hard, but if the kittens are healthy, let them be; or foster them if you can.
NACA recognizes that all communities are unique and what may be safe and feasible for one community may not be for another.