Help! I Found Kittens — Now What?

Finding a kitten—or a whole litter—can tug at your heartstrings. Whether they’re nestled under a bush in your backyard or crying out from behind a dumpster, your instinct may be to scoop them up and rush them to safety. But before you take action, it’s important to assess the situation carefully. With it being the peak of kitten season, it’s important to know how to act accordingly. Here's what you should do to ensure the best outcome for the kittens and their mother.

Step 1: Observe Before You Intervene

Don't rush to move them! The first and most important step is to observe from a distance. Kittens that appear alone may not actually be abandoned. Their mother could be nearby, hunting or hiding from you. Watch from a hidden spot (at least 35–50 feet away) for several hours if possible. A mother cat is the kittens’ best chance of survival.

If it’s chilly, rainy, or unsafe in the area, your instinct to help may grow stronger—but unless they are in immediate danger (like in a road, under threat from predators, or visibly sick), waiting and watching is still the best first move.

Step 2: Assess the Kittens’ Condition

If the mother does not return within 4–6 hours (less in extreme weather), assess the kittens’ condition:

Warm and clean? - Likely being cared for by mom.

Cold, dirty, or thin? - They may be abandoned and need help.

Eyes closed or just opening? - Likely under 2 weeks old.

Walking and playing? - Probably 4–6 weeks or older.

You can use online age guides (based on eye color, ear position, and mobility) to estimate their age, which can help you determine what care they need.

Step 3: Act Accordingly Based on Age and Condition

If the kittens are cold, screaming, visibly injured, or being attacked by insects, it’s time to act immediately. Bring them indoors and place them in a box with warm (not hot) heating pads or warm water bottles wrapped in towels. Never feed a cold kitten—they need to be warm first.

No Mom in Sight: Neonatal Kittens (<4 Weeks Old)

If they are orphaned and very young, they’ll require bottle-feeding every few hours, stimulation to go to the bathroom, and constant warmth. This is a big responsibility—if you’re not equipped, contact For the Love of Cats or a local animal rescue/shelter for help. Many have foster networks or volunteers trained to care for neonatal kittens.

Weaned or Semi-Weaned Kittens (5–8 Weeks)

These kittens can begin eating soft, wet kitten food and may be socializing with each other. If they seem healthy and you can catch them, you can foster them or contact a shelter or rescue for intake.

Step 4: Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) the Mother Cat 

If the mother cat is around and appears feral (unfriendly or unapproachable), the best course of action is Trap-Neuter-Return.  Allow her to raise the kittens until they’re about 6 weeks old, then TNR the mom and socialize the kittens for adoption. Many rescues like For the Love of Cats have TNR programs which will help with trapping and vet care.

Step 5: Contact Your Local Rescues

Call or search for local:

• Animal rescues

• Feline-specific shelters

• Community TNR programs

• Veterinary clinics (many offer guidance or referrals)

Try to work with a no-kill shelter or rescue group. Municipal shelters often face overcrowding and may not have the resources for round-the-clock neonatal care.

Call the “big box” pet stores to get their list of smaller local rescue groups that do adoptions on the weekends at their stores. Many times, these groups operate without a website or visible social media platforms.

Step 6: Keep the Kittens Safe Until Help Arrives

If you take them in temporarily:

• Set up a quiet, safe space (a bathroom works well)

• Provide heating (a heating pad on low under a blanket or layers of towels)

• Offer kitten formula (not cow’s milk) if feeding is needed

• Wash your hands before and after handling

Be patient and gentle. Some kittens may hiss or hide, but with time and care, they often warm up.

Finding a kitten or litter can be an emotional moment—but your actions matter. By pausing, observing, and choosing a compassionate, informed response, you give these vulnerable animals the best possible chance at life. Whether that means helping reunite them with their mother, becoming a foster caregiver, or connecting with a rescue, you're part of the solution to the feline overpopulation crisis.

Helpful Resources:

• For Collier County, Florida residents - For the Love of Cats: www.fortheloveofcatsfl.com

• Alley Cat Allies: www.alleycat.org

• Kitten Lady (Hannah Shaw): www.kittenlady.org 

• Local rescue and TNR organizations (search your city name + “cat rescue” or “TNR”)