I Found a Kitten, What Do I Do?

Kitten Season in here! Here’s how you can help!

Every year, Columbus Humane sees a surge of kittens during the warmer months. While your first instinct might be to scoop them up and bring them inside, sometimes the best way to help is to pause and observe.

Not every kitten you find needs to be rescued. In fact, if they’re healthy and in a safe spot, chances are mom is nearby.

This simple guide can help you decide what to do when you find kittens outdoors this season. By knowing when to step in—and when to wait—you’re helping us protect the most vulnerable animals in our community and ensure that every kitten gets the best possible chance at life.

You can make a meaningful impact by donating vital care items from our Kitten Season Wishlist, spaying or neutering your pets to prevent unplanned litters, supporting TNR efforts like our Community Cat Initiative, or making a financial gift to support the kittens in our care.

A flow chart describing what steps to take if you find a kitten outdoors

Click to download a printable version!

A diagram showing examples of kittens at different ages to aid in determining kitten age.

Image courtesy of Alley Cat Allies.

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