Cold to the touch
Kittens can't regulate their own body temperature for the first 3 weeks. A cold kitten is in immediate danger.
Found Kittens? Read This First.
Every spring, well-meaning people scoop up weeks-old kittens, thinking they've been abandoned. Most of the time, mom is just a few yards away foraging — and the best thing you can do for those kittens is leave them with her.
When You Should Step In
Visible injuries or distress
Bleeding, struggling to breathe, eyes glued shut, or constant crying — these need help right now.
Mom hasn't returned in 8+ hours
Watch from a safe distance (mom won't return if she sees you). If a full work-day passes with no sign of mom, step in.
Immediate environmental danger
Predators, traffic, extreme weather, or a location that's about to be disturbed — relocate (don't remove) only if mom is around, otherwise rescue.
Trusted Kitten Care Resources
When kittens really do need rescue, these are the resources we lean on too. Bookmark them.
Kitten Lady
Hannah Shaw's videos and guides are the gold standard for neonatal kitten care — bottle feeding, stimulating them to potty, weaning, and the whole timeline.
Visit Kitten LadyKitten Lady on YouTube
Step-by-step videos for every age and emergency. Start with "How to bottle feed a kitten" if you've got neonates in your hands.
Watch on YouTubeKitten Lady on Facebook
Active community where fosterers share situations and get fast answers. Tag her account when you're stuck.
Visit FacebookReady to Help? You Don't Have to Do It Alone.
If you've decided the kittens really do need rescue, our Finder-to-Foster program provides food, supplies, and vaccinations so you can foster them in your home while we work on a permanent outcome.
