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Answers to Common Spaying & Neutering Questions

What to Do if You Find Kittens Outside

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Oh no! Did you just find a group of kittens and aren’t sure what to do? These tiny creatures need care and attention, but it’s crucial to know how to handle the situation properly. First, don’t ”kitten-nap!” While you may be tempted to scoop them up, the best thing you can do is step back and follow these steps for their best chance of survival. 

Step 1: Assess the Situation

Take a moment to observe from a distance before jumping in. Young kittens are still very dependent on their mother, who may be nearby, hunting or hiding from you.

If the kittens look healthy and are not in immediate danger (like from traffic, predators or extreme weather), give the mother a chance to return. This might take a few hours. To help you figure it out, leave a ring of flour around the kitten nest. Check in a few hours if you see the mom’s paw prints are in the flour.

Step 2: Determine Their Age & Health

Estimating the age of the kittens will help you determine the right next steps. Newborn kittens that are younger than 8 weeks old are very dependent on their mother and should be left with the mother/queen cat unless they are sick, injured or in danger. Here’s how to determine their age:
  • Newborn to 2 Weeks Old: Eyes closed or barely open, ears folded

  • 2 to 4 Weeks Old: Eyes open, starting to move around

  • 4 to 6 Weeks Old: Very mobile and talkative, can eat solid food

  • 6 to 8 Weeks and Older: Very active and playful, weighing 1-2 pounds

Also, evaluate their condition. Signs of a sick kitten include:

  • Lethargy/almost no movement

  • Pale gums and tongue

  • Visible ribs and spine, gaunt faces
  • Crusted eyes or nose

  • Struggling to breathe

If any of these signs are present, contact your local veterinarian or animal shelter for help. If the kittens look healthy, continue to the next step.
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Estimating the age of the kittens will help you determine the right next steps.

Step 3: Take Action

Did the mother return?
If the mother cat returns and the area is safe, the best option is often to leave the kittens with her. She knows best how to care for them; however, you can provide a little help.

  • Make sure they have access to shelter, food and water. You can help by providing food and water for the mother.

  • If the mother and kittens are in an unsafe environment or there are extreme weather conditions in the forecast, bring the entire family inside to an area that is quiet and away from people and other animals in your home.

  • Contact a local Trap Neuter Return (TNR) group to have the mom and kittens spayed/neutered. Returning the mother cat and her kittens who are 8 weeks or older back to where you found them is okay. Many cats thrive living outside. However, if you’re able to, you can choose to take in the kittens to foster/adopt. You can also do the same for the mother cat if she is socialized.

No mother in sight?
If you’ve waited several hours or more and believe the mother is gone, it’s time to step in and take them in.

  • If the kittens appear 8 weeks or older, they’re most likely weaned from their mother, meaning they don’t rely on her milk. In this case, take the kittens to a vet or clinic as soon as possible for a health check where they can be vaccinated and scheduled for spay/neuter surgery.

  • If the kittens are younger than 8 weeks, they’ll need some extra care. Keep the kittens warm with a heating pad or warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. Newborns can’t regulate their body temperature. Very young kittens will also need to be bottle-fed kitten formula. Contact your local vet or animal shelter for resources you’ll need to begin bottle-feeding.

Step 4: Decide on Next Steps

Do you want to keep the kittens or try to find them a new home? If you can’t place them on your own, call your local animal shelter for assistance. If you are able to, consider fostering the kittens through the shelter until they’re adopted. The shelter environment isn’t always best for young kittens since their immune systems are underdeveloped.

Whatever you decide, always prioritize the kittens’ health and well-being, and seek professional advice when in doubt.

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