What Do If You Find Kittens Outdoors:

When you discover kittens outdoors, it can be tempting to scoop them up and bring them indoors. However, it is important to know that this is almost never in a kitten’s best interest.

Leave Them Alone:

Even if you see kittens alone, it is more than likely their mother is nearby. A mother cat is kittens’ best possible caregiver, so please…Leave Them Alone. This best practice involves allowing the mother cat to care for her kittens in their outdoor home. DO NOT remove kittens younger than 8 weeks old from their mother. It is harmful to their wellbeing.

Watch:

Keep an eye out to see if the mother comes back for her kittens. Even if you do not see the mother, you can check to see if the kittens are comfortable, which means their mother is around. If the kittens are cuddled together, look clean and appear to be fed, then their mother is around. Feral cats stay out of sight and are wary of humans, so just because you do not see them, does not mean they are gone.

If you have watched for hours or days and have reason to believe the mother has not returned and will not return, then step in to help. Contact your local vet or reach out to experienced cat rescues for help with taking care of neonatal kittens.

Kittens 8 Weeks and Older:

Kittens that are 8 weeks and older are weaned from their mother and are eating on their own. They no longer rely on her for milk. In this case, if you trap a kitten, take it to the veterinarian to get spayed and neutered. After recovery, you can return it to their outdoor home to live their lives with their colony. If you have the means and time, you can also socialize the kitten and find it a forever home.

Socializing Kittens:

Age Considerations: It is recommended to socialize feral cats up to 4 months of age. However, there’s a gray area between 4 and 8 months where individual personality matters. If a kitten shows meaningful signs of social behavior, consider placing it in a foster home for eventual adoption. The younger the kitten is, the easier it will be to socialize with humans. Kittens should stay with their mom until they are 8 weeks old. After 8 weeks, a kitten will be able to eat solid food and will no longer be nursing.

Time Commitment: Socializing older kittens requires daily one-on-one interaction for several hours. Keep in mind that results aren’t guaranteed, so assess progress honestly.

TNR and Stress: If socialization isn’t progressing within a week, consider returning the kitten to its outdoor colony through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). Kittens thrive in their familiar outdoor environment.

Now, let’s help kittens feel comfortable:

  • Create a Safe Space: Set up a crate off the floor so kittens feel secure. Give them a two-day adjustment period to acclimate to the new environment.
  • Slow and Gentle Approach: Move slowly, speak softly, and minimize loud noises. For young kittens, a ticking clock wrapped in a towel can soothe them.
  • Familiar Sounds: Leave a TV or radio on to expose kittens to human voices. If no other pets are around, place the crate in a busy part of your home.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Reward kittens for positive behavior. Avoid scolding—fearful reactions like spitting and hissing are normal.
  • Socialize with Food: Use food as an incentive. Keep dry kitten food available and feed wet food while staying in the room. Gradually move the food plate closer to you.
  • Petting and Holding: Pet kittens while they eat, starting with their faces and gradually petting all over. Reward them with canned cat food or chicken-flavored baby food (without onion).

Remember, patience is key.