Found kittens? Here’s where to start
When you find kittens outside, it's natural to be concerned. It may seem like they've been abandoned and should be taken to a shelter right away. However, in most cases removing the kittens is not the best response and doing so may end up putting them in even greater danger.
Young kittens are at high risk of dying or being killed in shelters since they need to be bottle fed every two to four hours and require around-the-clock care. Most shelters don’t have the time, space and people power to attend to these critical needs. The best thing to do for healthy kittens is to leave them with their mother, who is often nearby planning to return and care for her babies.
Additional resources:
What to Do if You Find Kittens
How to Determine the Age of Newborn Kittens
If you find a kitten who is visibly sick or injured, seek medical attention immediately from a local veterinarian or the nearest animal shelter. During the COVID-19 outbreak, L.A. area shelters are continuing to take in emergency cases.
No mom to be found? You can be the rescuer!
If mom hasn’t returned for 12 hours and the kittens appear healthy, it’s time to step in and be their hero. You can care for the kittens yourself, right from the comfort of your home. While caring for neonatal kittens can seem daunting, it is completely do-able, and incredibly rewarding. By keeping the kittens out of the shelter, you are giving them a better chance to survive and thrive.
And you won’t be alone: Our kitten rescue program is here to help. Through education and real-time assistance from kitten experts, this program is designed to keep fragile kittens out of our crowded shelters. Check out the resources below for all the information you’ll need to get started as a kitten rescuer.
For more information, contact us at 818-643-3852 and leave us a voicemail. For a quicker response, simply fill out this form and someone from our team will reach out to you.
What you'll need
Kitten Lady Essential Supplies
If you need help with supplies to get you started, contact us at 818-643-3852 and leave us a voicemail. For a quicker response, simply fill out this form and someone from our team will reach out to you.
Kitten care
General
Kitten Lady: Orphan Kittens Guidebook
Kitten Rescue L.A.: Raising Orphaned Kittens
0-4 weeks old:
4-8 weeks old:
Medical care
Best Friends Vet Access app: With this app, you can speak to a veterinarian right from your home.
Los Angeles spay and neuter services
The list below includes a small selection of spay and neuter services offered in the city of Los Angeles. Please note that it is not all-inclusive. Some clinics may also provide vaccines and limited wellness care for medical needs beyond sterilization. Visit the organization’s website to make sure the facility is open, to get more information on the services offered and to schedule an appointment.
You can also go to a private veterinary clinic or animal hospital for medical needs, including spay and neuter services.
Spay Neuter Project of Los Angeles
LAAS Free and Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Vouchers
Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic Near You
Find the kittens a forever home
How to Help Your Foster Pet Find a Home
Adopting the Cat into the Best Home Possible
Here’s more information from our partners
Jacksonville Humane Society "Don't Kitnap Kittens!"
Still need help?
Have a burning question or need some guidance? We got you. Call 818-643-3852
and leave us a voicemail. For a quicker response, simply fill out this form and someone from our team will reach out to you.
