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Healthy Kittens without Mom (Age 9+ Weeks)
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Healthy kittens at this age are well on their way to be independent. They’ll still be quite playful but from here on out, if they aren’t already friendly with humans, socialization becomes more and more difficult and time intensive. If they are healthy, it is best to leave them in their outdoor homes.

STOP: Look for Mom

Move kittens if in immediate danger, mom will not mind if they are handled by humans.

If kittens are safe but you can't find mom, pour a ring of flour around the kittens and look for flour footprints after a few hours.

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At this young age, their best chance at survival is with mom.

Keep the Kittens Outside

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STEP 1: Help Feed Mom and Kittens

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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:

  • 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)

Kitten Care Steps:

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STEP 1: Move Kittens Indoors

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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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.

  • Electric Heating Pad

  • Hot Water Bottle

  • Rice-Filled Sock Warmed in the Microwave

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STEP 3: Feed the Kittens

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Kittens of this age should be eating independently.

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Feeding:

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

  • Canned Kitten Food

  • Dry Kitten Kibble

  • Fresh Water

  • 2-3 Shallow Water Bowls

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Common Feeding Issues:

  • Diarrhea or dehydrated: Mix unflavored electrolyte solution (ex. Pedialyte) with wet food to rehydrate the kittens

  • Not Eating: Mix goat's milk in with wet food

  • Low Blood Sugar: Mix a tiny amount of corn syrup, honey, or other simple sugars in with wet food

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STEP 4: Set Up A Litter Box

Litter Boxes:

  • Low-Sided Box or Aluminum Pan

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

STEP 5: 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 7: Kitten Health Care

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Common Health Issues:​

See your vet if you suspect your kitten is experiencing any of these issues.

  • Upper Respiratory Infection   

  • Intestinal Worms or Other Parasites  

  • Malnutrition

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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

STEP 8: 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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