Caring for Abandoned Kittens

When it comes to abandoned kittens, it is always heartbreaking. These little creatures are helpless and vulnerable, and it can be daunting to know what to do to help them. Helping abandoned kittens is a rewarding experience and can make a huge difference in their lives. Unfortunately, thousands of kittens are found abandoned yearly, and many don’t survive. But with care and resources, you can help save their lives. Here are some tips on how to help abandoned kittens.

If you find abandoned kittens, first be sure the mama cat has food and water available. It is possible that the mama cat may be out hunting during the day and returning in the evening to feed her kittens. She may be nearby, so keep an eye out for her. If you can provide a safe and warm place, such as a box filled with blankets, the kittens will be much better protected. 

If the mama cat is nowhere to be found, call us at 630-323-5630 for advice on how to help the kittens. We can also provide advice on how to feed, care for, and socialize them. We understand how difficult it can be to care for abandoned kittens. HHS is here to provide support and guidance. 

If you are certain that the mama cat is not coming back for the kittens, please call us for help. We will do all we can to ensure the kittens are placed in safe, loving homes. However, we ask that if you can keep the kittens safe and warm, please do so. We may not be able to immediately find foster homes for them if our foster community is at capacity. We will work with you and will provide care information and supplies. We can not accept kittens as walk-ins, so call first.

It is important to remember that abandoned kittens need care and attention to survive. If you find abandoned kittens, please call us so we can do all we can to ensure they get the attention they need for the best chance of survival.

Comments (3)

Liz Houtz
Tue, May 9, 2023, 8:15 PM
I just wanted to say that it's important to emphasize that kittens are likely not abandoned and mama really is nearby. The rule of thumb is to wait 4-6 hours, inside the house where you aren't scaring her away. And if there IS a mama cat, unless she is obviously friendly, feed her all she wants to eat, leave them alone and trap them all together when the kittens are 5-6 weeks old, spay mama and return her outside (TNR). You never want to bring a feral cat inside because they would be super stressed and often stop nursing, are difficult to care for, get sick, etc.
Liz Houtz
Tue, May 9, 2023, 8:10 PM
Hi Midge (comment above me), It's super important to know if the cats by you are TNR'd (Trapped, Neutered, & Returned) or not. If they are ear tipped (left ear is flat on top), they are sterilized. If not, they will be producing many new litters of kittens. I teach a monthly workshop called Helping Cats Near You. Details at catsinaction.org
Midge Ruhl
Fri, May 5, 2023, 2:38 PM
Locally, this has never happened to me. I encounter strays who are well fed and look healthy. My back property easement is a safe cut-through for local kitties on their way to their food and water sources. But I am concerned, as there are new cats and I fear one day I will encounter exactly this situation - of finding a baby or babies, etc. This is a great article that bears keeping for reference. Thank you for this very helpful information and the phone number, as a future resource.

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