Finding Orphaned Kittens
Not all kittens need help. The best place for kittens is with their mother, so before you scoop up kittens you find outdoors, it is important to determine if they’re truly orphans or if mom is hiding or hunting nearby.
If mom is nearby, let her be the one to care for them until they are 8-weeks-old. Mom is their best chance of survival. After the kittens are 8-weeks-old, the DFW Kitten Network can help you make sure both mom and kittens are spayed/neutered.
PRO-TIP:
Mom might be scared to come back if you’re watching her nest. Try leaving a ring of flour around the kittens and checking back after a few hours to see if you can see mom’s footprints.
Follow the chart below to determine what to do next.
Helping Kittens That Have Been Orphaned
Unfortunately, there are times when kittens become permanently separated from their mothers. In this case, it is important to get them appropriate care.
You’d make a great foster parent! If you’re willing to care for the kittens until they’re two months old (or weigh 2 lbs) and can be fixed for adoption, call 311 and let them know you’re interested in being a finder foster.
If you’re unable to care for the kittens, we’re still here to help. If you found confirmed orphaned, critically sick, or injured kittens within the city of Dallas, call 311 and we will work to find them a foster within our program or with one of our rescue partners.
Once kittens have reached 8 weeks of age, we encourage you to seek spay/neuter services for TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) or prior to rehoming the kittens.
Finding Orphaned Kittens in Fort Worth
If the kittens are sick or injured, carefully take the kittens, and mother (if present), to the FWACC shelter or your local vet clinic. If the kittens are at least 8 weeks old, they can be spayed/neutered through TNR (trap neuter return) programs. Email FWACCtnr@fortworthtexas.gov for more information. Yes No You’d make a great foster for the kittens until they are 8 weeks of age! At that point, they can be spayed/neutered and placed up for adoption. Email FWACCfoster@fortworthtexas.gov to learn about our foster program.
Finding Orphaned Kittens in San Antonio
Any healthy, presumed orphaned kitten under 2 pounds will only be taken in by ACS on a case-by-case basis. If kittens are warm, have full bellies, are alert, and healthy we will assume that the mom is nearby and is taking care of them. The citizen will be asked to return the kittens to where they were found and place some food with them and monitor to allow Mom the chance to return safely. If the food is eaten, most likely, Mom is nearby. If the mom does not care for the kittens in 18 hours, the citizen may bring the kittens in to Animal Care Services.