Little Paws, Big Needs: How to Be a Hero for Arlington’s Baby Kittens

Published on May 28, 2026

By Arlington Animal Services

Do you know what to do if you find a baby kitten? Many people would instantly want to pick it up and cuddle it and then wonder what to do next. Most times if you find a young or un-weaned kitten the momma cat is close by. Alley Cat Allies experts say the best thing you can do is "Leave Them Be." Nothing truly replaces the care a kitten’s mom can provide.

A healthy kitten's best chance of survival is with its mother. But what it appears the kitten is truly abandoned? If orphaned, a young kitten’s life is dependent on receiving good care, and fast.

Typically, it takes about eight weeks for a kitten to be fully weaned. Alley Cat Allies offers this online guide to help determine the age of a kitten. During the first few weeks of a kitten’s life, they must be fed every two to three hours. Best Friends Animal Society offers an online guide with specific feeding protocols for kittens.

To be successful caring for newborn kittens, human’s must learn the mother cat’s processes with her young.

Like many shelters, Arlington Animal Services does not have a neonatal kitten program. The shelter does work with rescue groups and it is always looking for new volunteers for its Foster Pet Program. If you have a soft spot for kittens too young to be in the shelter environment, we encourage you to be involved in this rewarding program. Apply online for the Foster Pet Program.

Unable to participate, but want to contribute to this program? Residents are invited to submit an online donation for the Foster Pet Program. Donations help the shelter provide supplies, including formula, baby bottles and much more, to foster pet parents.