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Care for Mom & Kittens Outside

STEP 1: Help Mom Feed Kittens

If mom and kittens look well-fed, skip this step! Check in regularly to see if they're all staying healthy.

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Cat Food:

  • Affordable Dry Kitten Food

  • Optional: Wet Kitten Food

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Water:

  • Summer: Lots of water!

  • Winter: Water in wide, deep bowls to prevent freezing

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A Feeding Station is a good option to keep food dry and clean. Check out options for feeding stations below:

STEP 2: Provide Shelter

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If mom and kittens are in a safe, warm, and dry space skip this step! Check in regularly to see if they're all staying healthy.

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A Winter Cat Shelter is a good option in the winter or wet months.

STEP 3: Check for Other Cats

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Spay and Neuter Surgeries:

  • When the kittens reach 5 weeks, spay mom cat

  • Other cats in the area should be fixed to prevent future litters of kittens

  • Fix kittens when they reach 2-3 pounds (2-3 months old)

Move Insie

Move Mom & Kittens

STEP 1: Move Kittens Indoors

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If mom or kittens are difficult to catch, follow the below trapping instructions:

Ideas for Kitten Spaces:​

  • Bathroom

  • Spare Bedroom

  • Small Playpen or Crate

  • Garage

  • A Friend's or Family Member's Home

STEP 2: Warm the Kittens

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Young kittens cannot regulate their own body temperature. Help mom and babies stay safe by keeping them warm.

 

Options for keeping kittens warm:

These should feel warm, but not hot, to your touch. Make sure they have space to get off of the heat in case they get too warm.

  • Electric Heating Pad

  • Hot Water Bottle

  • Rice-Filled Sock Warmed in the Microwave

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STEP 3: Care for Family

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Feed Mom Cat:

Mom will eat a lot when nursing, allow her to eat a lot! Kitten food provides extra calories.

  • Canned Kitten Food

  • Dry Kitten Food

  • Fresh Water in a Shallow Dish (to prevent drowning)

Litter Box:

Kittens won't use until 3-4 weeks old.

  • Low-Sided Box or Aluminum Pan

  • Non-Clumping Pellet Litter (usually made of pine or paper)

STEP 4: Weigh the Kittens

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Weigh the kittens daily (a kitchen scale in grams works well). They should be steadily gaining weight.

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WATCH FOR: Weight loss that goes for more than a day or a lack of weight gain for more than a few days.

STEP 5: Socialize the Kittens

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Handle the kittens 1-2 times a day, they will quickly socialize.

STEP 6: Kitten Health Care

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Assess Kitten Health:​

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Spaying/Neutering:

  • Any other cats seen in the area you found the kittens should also be fixed in order to stop the cycle of kittens being born outside

  • Weight Requirement: 2-3 lbs (2-3 months old) for healthy kittens

  • Talk with your vet to see if they can help offset costs or find your local low-cost spay and neuter clinic

For Additional Support:

  • Text "HELPLINE" to 323-861-3364 to sign up for a kitten fostering mentor

  • Join one of the below Facebook Groups:

STEP 7: Rehome Kittens

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Once your kittens are 2-3 months old, rehoming is your best option for finding them a new family. 

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