What to Do If You Find a Litter of Kittens

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You will probably want to save and protect those kittens, but it may not be the best thing for them. 

Do not assume that the mother has abandoned her babies. Though it may go against your instincts, do not immediately scoop the kittens up and take them home or to the shelter. 

Remember that kittens have a much better chance for survival with their mother. In most cases, mom is nearby or out hunting and will return.  Therefore, first observe at a distance. If the kittens are clean, plump, and sleeping quietly, there is a good chance that they have an attentive mom. If they are dirty, crying continuously, and have a soiled nest, they may be orphans and need your assistance. Only remove them if you see that mom does not return in a few hours or they are in a life-threatening situation.

So, what do you do if you find a kitten?

#1 - Wait and Watch 

Look for clues that reveal the health of the kitten(s). Look for signs that indicate that they may have been without care for a while: 

• · They are crying or mewling and appear underweight, due to lack of nutrition
• · Fur appears matted or dirty
• · They are listless, are lethargic

Are they in a safe, clean, and dry environment? If they are exposed, this is cause for concern as they may not be able to stay warm. 

Are they in any danger from predators, like dogs, raccoons, etc.? 

Is the nest secluded or near a roadway where they might be hit if they wandered off?

#2 - Give Mom Time to Return

Once you have assessed the situation, walk away if there is no immediate danger. BUT, if you find the kittens are in need of medical attention, starving, or are vulnerable to predators, then remove them.

Most cats, especially if they are feral, may not return if they smell or see humans. While they do not want to abandon their litter, self-preservation can cause them to do so. 

Leave for several hours to give Mom an opportunity to return. Go back and check on the situation in 4-6 hours.

#3- Return and Check

After 4-6 hours, return and check on the nest. If mom has not returned but the kittens still look well, give it a bit more time. Try again in another 4-6 hours.

You want to give the mother as much time as possible to return to her litter, which will give the kittens the best chance for survival. Not only do nursing kittens need nutrition from their mama, they also receive immune support from her milk. Therefore, it is not in their best interest to remove them unless it is absolutely necessary.

#4 – What happens now?

• Mama Returns - If, upon rechecking the kittens, you find that Mom has returned, relax and let nature take its course. Feel free to monitor the situation and make sure that the kittens are doing well, being fed, and relatively safe from predators or other dangerous situations.
• Mama Returns and You Want to Help Her Out - If Mom returns and you want to provide assistance, you may give her food. Ensure that you don’t get too close and scare her off. If you do provide food, remember that it may be sought by other cats, raccoons, rats, or other predators that live in your area. Show her where the food will be, but do not leave it too close to the nest. If a predator finds the food, you do not want them to also find the nest.
• Mama Does Not Return to the Nest – If Mom does not return to the nest, or the kittens are in poor health or danger, remove the kittens. 

If you decide to care for the kittens yourself the following are good resources for information:

•  Tiny but Mighty: Kitten Lady's Guide to Saving the Most Vulnerable Felines by Hannah Shaw 
•  Maddie’s Fund Orphaned Kitten Care How To -  Short videos will provide essential care instructions for orphaned kittens.
•  Best Friends– This resource provides instructions for caring for bottle-feeding kittens (“bottle babies”) – very young kittens who have been abandoned or orphaned. It includes information on feeding, weaning, medical care, developmental milestones and more.
•  Alley Cat Allies Neonatal Care - This handbook is a well written, comprehensive tool which can be used to teach individuals basic information regarding the care of a newly found abandoned kitten, and the ongoing care required for their sustenance and growth. 

Cats are unregulated in Tehama County, therefore, typically Animal Control will not pick them up.  However, if the animal is injured, they will.  

• In the city limits of Red Bluff, call the Red Bluff Police Department (530-527-3131)
• In the city limits of Corning call the Corning Police Department (530-824-7000)
• Anywhere in Tehama County other than the above call the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office (530-529-7900 ext. 1)

Domestic baby animals (kittens, puppies, calves, kids, foals, piglets, etc.) found injured or abandoned on the road need to be taken to an appropriate facility. In Tehama county, start by contacting the above animal control agencies.  In addition, contact the  The Tehama Animal Care Center   located at 1830 Walnut Street, Red Bluff (530-527-3439) for further advice.