How to Handle a Litter of Feral Kittens

A feral cat is an unsocialized cat. Most likely the kittens were born outdoors and had no human contact. For survival, ferals revert to a wild state, throwing off any effects of domestication. Feral cats and kittens often live in colonies, made up of family groups. Colonies are found wherever a cat can make a bed and have a reasonable chance of finding food: behind restaurants, in parks on schoolyards. Not neutered, feral cats reproduce frequently giving birth to millions of unwanted kittens annually. Feral kittens can have a happy and fulfilling life as a domestic pet cat if human contact is introduced early enough.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• cat food
• kitten formula
• blankets
• cat dishes

1. Assess the situation. Is the mother away temporarily or are the kittens really orphaned? “All too often someone scoops up a litter of kittens as soon as they find them,” says Randi Fairbrother, president of Catalyst for Cats.

2. Provide food, shelter, safety and gentle human contact for the feline family until the kittens reach six to eight weeks of age depending on their degree of socialization. The mother will feed them and will appreciate not having to hunt for food.

3. Collect the kittens, if they are orphans. They may need feeding every two to three hours around the clock. A veterinary clinic, animal rescue group or knowledgeable pet store employee can guide you with this.

4. Neuter the kittens at eight weeks of age/two pounds. Carefully interview potential adopters and have them reimburse you for the neuter.

5. Release the kittens to a local animal agency if Step 4 is not a viable option. Check if the agency operates under the policy of sterilizing animals prior to adoption.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask a local veterinary clinic, friends or neighbors if they know of private cat rescue groups. A private nonprofit may be better equipped than a public agency to handle the situation.
• Feral cats cannot be tamed. They are wildlife. Do not try to pet or touch them.
• Delivering feral kittens to a public animal shelter often is a death sentence. Check the adoption rate and policies of the shelter beforehand.
• Giving away free kittens or to pet shops is not suggested.

Resources

• Are you seeking information on how to care for stray and feral cats? Do you want to start an organization or work to change public policy to help feral cats?