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:
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Affordable Dry Kitten Food
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Optional: Wet Kitten Food
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Water:
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Summer: Lots of water!
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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
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
Spay and Neuter Surgeries:
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When the kittens reach 5 weeks, spay mom cat
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Other cats in the area should be fixed to prevent future litters of kittens
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Fix kittens when they reach 2-3 pounds (2-3 months old)
Move Mom & Kittens
STEP 1: Move Kittens Indoors
If mom or kittens are difficult to catch, follow the below trapping instructions:
Ideas for Kitten Spaces:​
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Bathroom
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Spare Bedroom
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Small Playpen or Crate
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Garage
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A Friend's or Family Member's Home
STEP 2: Warm the Kittens
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.
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Electric Heating Pad
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Hot Water Bottle
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Rice-Filled Sock Warmed in the Microwave
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STEP 3: Care for Family
Feed Mom Cat:
Mom will eat a lot when nursing, allow her to eat a lot! Kitten food provides extra calories.
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Canned Kitten Food
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Dry Kitten Food
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Fresh Water in a Shallow Dish (to prevent drowning)
Litter Box:
Kittens won't use until 3-4 weeks old.
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Low-Sided Box or Aluminum Pan
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Non-Clumping Pellet Litter (usually made of pine or paper)
STEP 4: Weigh the Kittens
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
Handle the kittens 1-2 times a day, they will quickly socialize.
STEP 6: Kitten Health Care
Assess Kitten Health:​
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Spaying/Neutering:
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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
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Weight Requirement: 2-3 lbs (2-3 months old) for healthy kittens
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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:
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Text "HELPLINE" to 323-861-3364 to sign up for a kitten fostering mentor
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Join one of the below Facebook Groups:
STEP 7: Rehome Kittens
Once your kittens are 2-3 months old, rehoming is your best option for finding them a new family.