What to Do When You Find an Abandoned Kitten

May 2025

As the kitten season is just about to hit us again, let's look at a potential situation that you might encounter one day.

Let's imagine that you just found a lonely kitten or perhaps a couple of them on the roadside or maybe behind your shed. What should you do next?

1. Assess the Situation

Look for the mother: Observe from a distance for 4–6 hours to determine if the mother returns. Mother cats may leave their kittens while hunting or searching for food. Avoid handling the kitten too much at first; your scent might deter the mother from returning.

Check the Environment: Is the kitten in immediate danger (e.g., near traffic, predators, or extreme weather)? If so, you may need to intervene sooner.

2. Estimate the Kitten’s Age

A kitten’s age determines the care it needs:

0–1 week

*Development: Eyes closed, ears folded, umbilical cord may still be attached             

*Care: Needs warmth (they can’t regulate their body temperature at first, so need to have an ambient temperature of 25°C – 30°C until they’re 3 weeks old) and bottle-feeding every 2 hours (including overnight). Always give kittens special kitten milk formula, never cow’s milk (or any other non-feline mammal’s). Hold the kitten upright while feeding to prevent aspiration.

Ideally, kittens that young need an incubator if they are to survive without their mother. The best chance of survival for orphaned kittens that age is at a small animal specialised veterinary clinic.

1–2 weeks

*Development: Eyes start opening, ears still folded, minimal mobility, still not regulating its body temperature

*Care: Bottle-feed every 2–3 hours (including overnight); keep warm, ideally in an incubator or under a heat lamp.

3–4 weeks

*Development: Eyes fully open, ears erect, attempts to stand/walk and starts eliminating on its own, baby teeth emerging

3-week-old Pippa

*Care: Bottle-feed every 4 hours, blend some ultra soft meat mousse into their formula, to gradually introduce them to a proper feline diet (cats are obligate carnivores, they must have meat in their diet); introduce a shallow litter box.

Pippa at 4 weeks

5–6 weeks

*Development: Playful, canine teeth emerging, grooming themselves

*Care: Can start weaning onto solid kitten food; ensure access to clean drinking water at all times. This is the optimal time for kitten socialisation: handle them often but with care, play with them but also teach them all the don’ts, such as no biting, no clawing, etc. Introduce them to a scratching post.

At 5 weeks

At 6-8 weeks the kitten should be seen by a vet to start the vaccinations and parasite treatments.

6-week-old hunter:)

7–8 weeks

*Development: Fully mobile, eating solid food, weaning off kitten formula

*Care: At 8 weeks they are ready for adoption or integration into a home.

Pippa at 8 weeks of age

3. Check the Kitten’s Health

*Body Condition:

Look for signs of dehydration (skin “tents” when pinched) or lethargy.

*Parasites:

Fleas, ticks, or a bloated belly (which usually indicates worms) are common in stray kittens. (For more, see https://www.klaws.ie/advice-for-cat-adopters/eww%2C-parasites!-(plus-tips-to-help-you-drug-your-cat))

*Injuries or Illness:

Look for cuts, discharge from eyes or nose, or laboured breathing.

If the kitten shows signs of illness or injury, take it to a vet immediately.

4. Decide on the Next Steps

*If the Mother Returns:

If the mother appears healthy, it’s often best to leave the kittens with her. You can monitor from a distance to ensure their safety.

*If the Mother Does Not Return:

Under 8 Weeks: You’ll need to provide care (see item 2 above) or contact a vet or a local animal rescue for help.

Over 8 Weeks: Healthy kittens can start finding adoptive homes or be integrated into your household.

5. Contact a Professional

*If you are unable to care for the kitten, reach out to:

Local Animal Shelters or Rescues: Many have foster programs for orphaned kittens.

Veterinarians: For immediate health checks or guidance.

TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) Programs: If the kitten appears feral, these programs can help manage their future care.

By following these steps, you can ensure the best possible outcome for a lonely kitten, whether it’s reuniting them with their mother or helping them find a safe, loving home.