The start of spring means flowers are blooming, but did you know kittens are too? From March to October, you can expect to see more kittens outside and in shelters due to kitten season.
Kitten season refers to the time of the year when cats reproduce prolifically, typically beginning in spring and peaking during warmer months. Without intervention, this phenomenon can lead to an influx of homeless kittens, exacerbating issues related to overpopulation and straining resources within animal shelters.
At Operation Kindness, we are committed to helping vulnerable kittens grow into happy adult cats with our 24/7 kitten nursery and by educating community members on animal welfare. If you run into furry little friends and want to help them, we are here to guide you through the basics of kitten season.
What to do if you find kittens?
During kitten season, you may stumble upon a litter of fluffy kittens in your own backyard. While picking up the kittens and taking them inside might be your first instinct, it is important to stop and analyze the situation.
If the kittens look to be one to four weeks old and seem to have a nest, they may still be in the care of their mother and should be left alone. Observe the kittens over time and see if mom is coming back to care for them. But, if you notice the kittens might be abandoned without a nest and mother nearby, contact a local shelter for guidance.
If the kittens look like they are around eight weeks old, they are of age to be surrendered to a shelter and start their search for a new family. If you need more help figuring out the next steps if you come across kittens, check out our helpful guide.
How to determine a kitten’s age?
If you have no experience with kittens, it can be hard to determine how old a litter of kittens are just based on appearance. It’s important to estimate a kitten’s age to figure out if they are old enough to be separated from their mother, how often they need to be fed, what type of vaccines they might need, and more.
Kittens whose eyes are still closed or just beginning to open are usually estimated to be 1-2 weeks old. These kittens are the most vulnerable age group and require immediate care if they are orphaned. For more guidance on determining a kitten’s age, take a look at our chart.
What are some ways to help shelters during kitten season?
Our Any supplies such as food, medicine, toys or bedding will be provided for fosters.
Fostering isn’t always a possibility for everyone, if you would still like to help us with our influx of kittens, we are always in need of donations. We have an Amazon and Chewy wish list with items that support our neonatal kitten nursery to make lifesaving care possible.
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