Kitten Finders, Kitten Keepers?

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Have you ever found yourself in the position of finding a litter of kittens and wondering what to do next? To keep or not to keep, that is the question.

Here, then, are some answers — together with more questions.

1. If you find a litter of kittens on or near your property, watch them, but don’t move them. Their mother may be nearby. If, however, the kittens seem distressed or are very vocal, and if their mother hasn’t returned by the end of the day, she may NOT be returning.

2. Unless they’re in danger, however, it’s best to give their missing mother another chance to return and tend to them. Place them in a carrier or cardboard carton to keep them warm, safe and secure.

3. Try to determine the age of the kittens. Are they newborns with eyes closed, weighing less than 8 ounces or are they 8 weeks old, weighing 2 pounds and resembling miniature cats? Not to mention every age and weight in between. Each age brings with it a different set of criteria as to these kittens’ proper maintenance and care. If they are newborns, contact local rescue groups or an area shelter willing to take them in immediately.

4. Are they feral (part of a colony of cats born to live and survive outdoors) or domestic kittens born to a family’s lost companion cat? Once again, this will determine the steps you take next.

If you’re unsure, please contact Furry Friends (information@furryfriendswa.org or (360) 993-1097) for advice and possible placement. We have had great success in socializing kittens from semi feral moms.

5. If it’s either too hot or too cold outside, raining or snowing, bring the kittens indoors and confine them to a clean, quiet and small room, whether a spare bedroom, bathroom or laundry room. Leave them in their carton or carrier with the door open, and provide them with a high-quality kibble, fresh water, and cat litter.

6. Within a few days, decide whether you want to temporarily foster them, bearing in mind that socializing them as quickly as possible will improve their chances of ultimately being adopted.

7. Although adorable and impossible to resist, kittens do have little claws and sharp teeth. To protect yourself from unnecessary “battle scars”, wear gloves until the kittens grow comfortable with being handled.

8. If you have other pets, keep them separated from the kittens to minimize the risks of their transmitting either parasites or infections to them.

9. To make fostering the kittens easier, speak with the volunteers at Furry Friends. We will set you up as a foster with all supplies, even if you are a one time foster. All medical is taken care of by Furry Friends. They will be posted on our Facebook page, our website and Petfinder.

By your actions, compassionate and caring, you’ll have not only saved several small lives, but you’ll have shared in an extraordinary experience, one you’re unlikely to ever forget.