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.
Arlington Animal Services has published a web page on kitten education with information and links to a variety of resources on what to do if you think a kitten truly is 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. Click here to see Alley Cat Allies guide that helps 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 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. A healthy kitten's best chance of survival is with its mother.
Arlington Animal Services is always looking for 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. Click here to learn how to apply online.
Unable to participate, but want to contribute to this program? Click here to submit an online donation. Supplies including formula, baby bottles and much more are always needed.
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