top of page

Care for Mom & Kittens Outside

STEP 1: Help Feed Mom and Kittens

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

​

Cat Food:

  • Affordable Dry Kitten Food

  • Optional: Wet Kitten Food

​

Water:

  • Summer: Lots of water!

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

​

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

STEP 2: Provide Shelter

Care 2

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.

​

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

STEP 3: Check for Other Cats

Care 3

Spay and Neuter Surgeries:

  • 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

Move Mom & Kittens Inside

STEP 1: Move Kittens Indoors

Move 1

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

Move 2

Kittens at this age can regulate their own temperature, but it's nice to keep them cozy.

​

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

​

STEP 3: Care for Family

Move 3

Kittens of this age should be eating independently.

​

Feeding:

​Don't worry about overfeeding and expect some spills!

  • Canned Kitten Food

  • Dry Kitten Kibble

  • Fresh Water

  • 2-3 Shallow Water Bowls (to prevent drowning)

​

Litter Box:

  • Low-Sided Box or Aluminum Pan

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

STEP 4: Weigh the Kittens

Move 4

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

​

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

Move 5

If a kitten is not used to humans, work your way up!​

  • Food is the fastest way to a kitten's heart

  • Play with Toys

  • Gentle Petting

STEP 6: Kitten Health Care

Move 6

Assess Kitten Health:​

​

​

Spaying/Neutering:

  • Spay mom as soon as possible

  • 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:

​Join one of the below Facebook Groups:

STEP 7: Rehome Kittens

Move 7

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

bottom of page