Found Kittens? Read This First.

Every spring, well-meaning people scoop up weeks-old kittens, thinking they've been abandoned. Most of the time, mom is just a few yards away foraging — and the best thing you can do for those kittens is leave them with her.

Found kitten
Found kitten
Found kitten
Found kitten
Found kitten

When You Should Step In

Cold to the touch

Kittens can't regulate their own body temperature for the first 3 weeks. A cold kitten is in immediate danger.

Visible injuries or distress

Bleeding, struggling to breathe, eyes glued shut, or constant crying — these need help right now.

Mom hasn't returned in 8+ hours

Watch from a safe distance (mom won't return if she sees you). If a full work-day passes with no sign of mom, step in.

Immediate environmental danger

Predators, traffic, extreme weather, or a location that's about to be disturbed — relocate (don't remove) only if mom is around, otherwise rescue.

Still not sure what to do? Here's how to make the right call:

What To Do If You Find a Kitten -- How to Make the Right Call!

Trusted Kitten Care Resources

Kittens under 4 weeks need round-the-clock care, with feedings every 2-4 hours. Check out our resources below so you can be a hero and provide lifesaving care for the kittens you found.

Kitten Lady

Hannah Shaw's videos and guides are the gold standard for neonatal kitten care — bottle feeding, stimulating them to potty, weaning, and the whole timeline.

Visit Kitten Lady

Kitten Lady on YouTube

Step-by-step videos for every age and emergency. Start with "How to bottle feed a kitten" if you've got neonates in your hands.

Watch on YouTube

Kitten Lady on Facebook

Active community where fosterers share situations and get fast answers. Tag her account when you're stuck.

Visit Facebook

Ready to help? It's up to you to decide.

When trying to help kittens in need, it's important to note that shelters and rescues in the community might not be able to provide care immediately, especially during peak kitten season. If you're unable to provide immediate care, you may need to decide the next best scenario.

Apply for our Finder-to-Foster Program

If you're ready to provide care, but need assistance or general guidance: apply to foster the found kittens to get access to milk or food and other supplies. We'll guide you through the process, and schedule the kittens to come into the shelter for vaccines and treatment. The goal is to get them to the point where they can eat on their own, which is usually around 4-5 weeks of age.

What if I cannot provide care?

If you or a loved one are unable to provide the care the kittens need, you may need to find someone else to help. Remember — once you pick up the kittens, you are taking responsibility for them.

1. Call local shelters and rescues to check their ability to help

2. Post on Facebook: other community members may be able to help

Ask friends, family, or neighbors if they are willing to help. You never know who might say yes!