12/03/2024
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/qPbeYNHvqch8Mxge/?mibextid=WC7FNe
FOUND KITTENS?
If you find a litter of kittens, please DO NOT move them just because you don't see mom. More than likely mom is taking care of her babies, and it's possible you may never see mom.
Mothers leave their babies for a couple hours each time, as the kittens get older, mom may leave for 3-4 hours at a time. She will go out hunting and doing cat stuff until it's time to feed her young again.
Most cats are very smart when it comes to survival of their young. If they notice you near their nesting spot, or even see you watching them, they may not return back to their babies until they feel the danger (you) is completely gone.
What should you do? Check the kittens. If they are warm and quiet, mom has probably been with them recently. It's okay to briefly touch them, mom will still accept them when she returns.
Place food and water where mom can find it but AWAY from the kittens. This is usually the easiest way to get a glimpse of mom. Even if you don't see mom eating, check the food dish in a couple of hours to see if the food has been eaten. Check the kittens again, if they are still warm, and are quite, leave them be. Watch from a window or somewhere out of sight from mom.
When is it time to intervene? If you are certain mom has been gone for more than 6 hours, the kittens are in need of help at this point. Hungry kittens will not be quiet kittens. When you touch them they will start to cry and wiggle around frantically.
If they have become cold or cool when touched, the kittens need to be brought inside to warm immediately. You can do this by placing a heating pad on low topped with a thick towel or blanket, warming a rice sock, or in a pinch, heat a bottle of water in the microwave until hot and place under the bedding. Always place the heat under the bedding, never directly in contact with the kittens. Make sure not to heat the entire area of the box/crate. Only provide heat to half the area, this way if the kittens become to hot, they can move to a cooler spot.
Never feed a cold kitten, this can kill them. Also NEVER feed ANYTHING other than a formula specifically made for kittens. NEVER feed cows milk, human baby formula, or even plain water to young kittens, this can also be a death sentence for them.
If you've never taken care of small kittens this can be a difficult task. Please reach out to any local rescue group before attempting to feed the kittens. They can put you in contact with someone experienced. A volunteer that can provide you with the information you need to properly care for abandoned kittens.
Once you see kittens eating cat food on their own -typically at 6 weeks old, trapping, vetting, taming of kittens can begin. Spay and neuter of kittens is safe after they weigh at least 2 pounds based on recommendations of your vet clinic.
