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.
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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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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 Inside
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
Kittens at this age can regulate their own temperature, but it's nice to keep them cozy.
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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
Kittens of this age should be eating independently.
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Feeding:
​Don't worry about overfeeding and expect some spills!
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Canned Kitten Food
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Dry Kitten Kibble
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Fresh Water
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2-3 Shallow Water Bowls (to prevent drowning)
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Litter Box:
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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
If a kitten is not used to humans, work your way up!​
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Food is the fastest way to a kitten's heart
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Play with Toys
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Gentle Petting
STEP 6: Kitten Health Care
Assess Kitten Health:​
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Spaying/Neutering:
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Spay mom as soon as possible
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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:
​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.