Caring for Orphaned Kitten Litters: A Comprehensive Guide for Cat Lovers
When you encounter a pair of orphaned baby street kittens outside your window, the first instinct is to take action. Here's a detailed guide on what you should do to ensure the best outcome for the kittens and their mother.
Immediate Actions to Save the Kittens
Bring them in!! They NEED SHELTER! At LEAST wait till Mama weans them and PLEASE feed Mama cat, as she needs nourishment to give THEM nourishment. Please find them HOMES!
Please try to get them into a shelter or rescue group if you don't want them. If you like cats, just take them home, otherwise, find an adoptive parent or give them to the ASPCA.
Starting the Rescue Process
Start calling the kittens a "kitten" for a start. Please call your local animal shelter and vet's to ask if anyone has reported a missing cat and describe the cat to them. Please also take the mother cat to the vet to be scanned for a microchip. If feasible, take the kittens with her as well.
Temporary Care Until Proper Adoption
Even if no one has reported a missing cat, you can either let them stay outside your house or care for the mother cat and kittens to the best of your ability. Ensure they have healthy food, fresh clean cool water, and a warm, cozy, and safe bed. Get them vaccinated when they are of age and treat any injury, illness, or parasites with a vet.
Please consider calling a good no-kill animal shelter that will look after them well. It's important to choose a shelter that will genuinely care for the kittens until a proper home is found.
Planning for the Adoption Period
Prepare for a period of 3 months to look after the cat and kittens. Alert people at home and do not disturb the privacy of the kittens. Prepare a small cardboard box that's big enough for the cat to sit comfortably and place some cotton clothes inside for the cat and kittens to use.
Keep some cat food or curd and some water in a bowl for the cat. Define a small area for the mother cat to enter and exit. Guard the place at times as unknown and unseen tomcats could cause harm to the baby kittens.
Keep a simple sandbox or a plastic tray filled with sand close to a cupboard for the mother cat to use as a litter box. Within the period of 2-3 months, the mother will train the kittens to use the litter box.
Ground Reality and Mental Preparation
Realize that every society and religion advocate kindness to other beings. A cat does not know if it's in your house or a rented apartment. Therefore, there will be some discomfort for a period of 2-3 months, such as odor, reduced space, money spent on cat food, and time spent being vigilant.
Mentally prepare for the inconvenience. Your cupboard could become inaccessible. Involve family members and take help from others if needed. Consider this an opportunity to help rather than a burden.
Ensuring a Bright Future for the Kittens
To ensure the kittens do not become stray, check adoption sites and individuals who love to adopt cats based on your area. If possible, spray the mother cat, which involves a lot of dedication and time. Make sure you understand the realities before proceeding.
Ultimately, the joy of seeing the kittens grow and finding them a home will be a satisfying experience that lasts a lifetime.
If you need more help, do not hesitate to reach out to others personally or through internet media. Share the task with family members and plan to take care of the cats together.