By the Humane Society of Ventura County
Each spring through early fall, shelters across the country, including the Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC), gear up for the busiest time of year: kitten season. This is when unspayed female cats give birth in large numbers, and litters of kittens begin appearing everywhere – from backyards and parking lots to under sheds and even in storm drains.
While it’s natural to want to help, understanding the right steps to take can make all the difference in the lives of these delicate young animals.
What to Do if You Find a Litter
When you find a kitten or a litter outdoors, your first instinct might be to scoop them up and bring them to a shelter. But that’s not always the best option. In many cases, the mother cat is nearby – possibly hiding from you or out hunting to feed herself. Unless the kittens are in immediate danger from traffic, weather, or predators, the best course of action is to pause and observe.
If the kittens are clean, warm, and quiet, chances are they’re being well cared for. We recommend watching from a distance for four to six hours. If the mother cat returns and is friendly, bring her and the kittens inside to a safe space with food, water, and a litter box.
If she is feral, it’s better to leave the family where they are, while providing food and shelter nearby. You should intervene if the kittens appear sick, cold, or distressed – especially if the mother does not return within the observation period.
The HSVC does accept orphaned or abandoned kittens, but please call the shelter in advance at 805-646-6505 to ensure we have space and a foster home available.
Not Sure How Old the Kittens Are?
Kittens under four weeks old are extremely fragile and require round-the-clock care. They depend entirely on their mother’s milk or bottle feeding to survive. Never feed kittens cow’s milk or other dairy products, as they lack the enzymes needed to digest lactose, which can lead to diarrhea and dehydration.
At this early stage, kittens typically nurse every two to three hours. They may have closed or newly opened eyes, and they won’t be able to eat solid food yet. After feeding, they also need to be burped, helped to go potty, and gently stimulated for comfort and bonding.
By five to eight weeks old, most kittens are ready to eat wet food and begin general foster care and socialization.
We’re always happy to help you determine the next best steps. Weighing kittens in grams can help estimate their age. Taking photos of the kittens on the scale alongside their weight is also helpful for tracking their progress.
How You Can Help During Kitten Season
Each year, HSVC takes in many kittens who are too young or vulnerable to remain in a traditional shelter environment. That’s where foster homes come in.
By opening your home – even temporarily – you give these kittens the time and space they need to grow healthy, strong, and ready for adoption. No experience? No problem. We provide training, supplies, and support every step of the way.
We also recommend visiting www.KittenLady.org for valuable information and video tutorials on caring for kittens and their mothers. The Kitten Lady website is an excellent resource for both new and experienced fosters.
If you’re interested in becoming part of the HSVC foster team, please visit www.hsvc.org/kitten or email our Foster Coordinator, Cheney, at foster@hsvc.org.
Not ready to foster but still want to help? You can support our kittens by visiting our Amazon Wishlist at www.hsvc.org/kitten to donate supplies.
Together, we can give these tiny lives a better chance.
