I Found Kittens Outside, What Should I Do?

Spring and summer mark the beginning of kitten season. During this time, it is common to find a litter of kittens tucked away in a garden or under a porch. Your first instinct might be to scoop them up and bring them to the DCSPCA. However, this is often not the best way to help.

In most cases, these kittens have not been abandoned. Their mother is likely nearby searching for food or finding a better hiding spot. This common mistake is known as "kitten napping."

Why the Mother is Best

A kitten’s best chance at survival is staying with its mother. She provides the specific nutrition and antibodies they need to grow. Shelters are loud and stressful environments for tiny kittens. Even with the best care from our staff or foster families, kittens thrive much better in the care of their natural mother.

How to Help Safely

If you find a litter of kittens, follow these steps to ensure their safety:

• Observe from a distance: Stay at least 10 to 15 feet away. The mother will not return if she senses a human or a predator nearby.

• Check for immediate danger: Only intervene if the kittens are in the middle of a busy road or in a flooded area.

• Look at their health: Healthy kittens will be quiet, plump, and clean. If they are crying constantly or look dirty, or you notice symptoms such as eye discharge, nasal discharge, and/or lethargy, they may need medical assistance and veterinary care.

• Wait several hours: It can take a long time for a mother cat to return. You can sprinkle a ring of flour around the kittens or place a few twigs on them to see if they are disturbed later, which indicates the mom has returned.

  
  

What if the Mother Doesn't Return?

You should only consider the kittens abandoned if the mother has not returned after 10 to 12 hours. If the kittens are truly alone, they will need specialized foster care. Please contact us or a local rescue before bringing them in so we can prepare the necessary resources.

By leaving healthy kittens where they are, you are giving them the strongest start in life.

Additional Resources

Learn more about how to handle found kittens and community cat care through these guides:

• Alley Cat Allies: Leave Them Be – Stop Kitten Napping

• ASPCA: I Found Kittens: What Do I Do?

• Best Friends Animal Society: Found a Kitten? Here is What to Do

• Kitten Care Guide: Comprehensive Care and Assessment Guide