Found a Kitten? Here’s what to do.

If you find a stray or feral kitten outside your Charlotte home, your first instinct may be to bring them inside or call a shelter. In many cases, the best first step is to pause and observe.

Very young kittens often have a mother nearby, even if you do not see her right away. Removing kittens too soon can separate them from the care they need most.

To help make the safest decision, answer the questions below or review this helpful flyer by The Kitten Lady. The flyer uses the CASA method, which stands for Condition, Age, Situation, and Abilities, to help assess what a kitten needs.

You can also follow the flowchart below to determine the best next step 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).

Interested in Fostering Kittens?

Fostering is a critical part of saving the lives of homeless and vulnerable animals in our community.

Foster families help care for kittens who are too young for adoption, as well as pets who are shy, recovering from illness or injury, or simply need a little extra support before they are ready for a home of their own.

When you foster for the Humane Society of Charlotte, you give an animal the care and comfort they need while also helping us make room to bring in and support more pets.

It is not always easy work, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who steps up to be part of HSC’s foster mission.

Help Our Foster Families with Supplies

Want to help, but cannot foster right now? You can still make a big difference.

Shop our Amazon Wishlist to send much-needed supplies directly to our foster pets and the families caring for them. Donations like food, toys, crates, blankets, and cleaning supplies help give pets the best possible start on their journey home.

Thank you for supporting pets in foster care and the people helping them heal, grow, and get ready for adoption.