Found a Kitten? Here’s what to do.

If you encounter a stray or feral kitten outside your Charlotte home, your first instinct might be to bring it in or contact the animal shelter. However, removing vulnerable kittens from their environment can disrupt their well-being, as their mother may be close by.

To make an informed decision, answer the following questions or refer to this helpful flyer by The Kitten Lady. The flyer utilizes the CASA method (Condition, Age, Situation, Abilities) to assess the situation effectively.

In addition, you can follow the flowchart below to determine the best course of action for found kittens.

Do the kittens appear ill or injured?

If yes, contact a veterinary clinic or Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Animal Care & Control at 311 (or 704-336-7600 if you’re outside Mecklenburg County).

Please note: Sick animals can transfer diseases to humans, handle kittens with care if you must.

Are the kittens at least two months old?

At two months old, a kitten will eat on their own, have good coordination, and weigh about two pounds. If the kittens are of age and friendly, you can try to find them loving fur-ever homes. If the kittens are still young, leave the cats and periodically check to see if the mother returns.

Is the mother around?

If the mother returns within a few hours, she’s taking good care of her kittens. You can help by providing mom and babies with food and a dry, clean shelter.

Once the kittens have been weaned and can eat wet food, you can bring them into your home and prepare them for adoption. You can also attempt to trap the mother for TNR surgery.

If the mother never returns, the kittens are likely orphaned and will need round-the-clock care. In this case, contact Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Animal Care & Control at 311 (or 704-336-7600 if you’re outside Mecklenburg County).