Help Us Care for Cats

 Found kittens and were told the shelter can’t take them? You’re not alone. During kitten season, shelters and rescues across our area are overwhelmed. This guide from Hope’s Animal Kingdom Cat Rescue walks you through what to do next — and how to give those kittens the best possible chance of survival.

First, Pause and Assess the Situation

Before picking up kittens, take a moment to observe.

Ask yourself:

Are the kittens warm? Cold kittens need warmth immediately — not food.

Do they appear clean and groomed? This often means mom is nearby.

Are they quiet and sleeping? Content kittens are usually being cared for.

Mother cats often leave their kittens for hours at a time to find food. If the kittens appear safe and healthy, the best option is often to watch from a distance and allow mom time to return. She is their best caregiver if she’s present.

If Mom Does Not Return

If several hours pass with no sign of mom — or if the kittens are cold, crying constantly, thin, or in distress — it may be time to step in.

What to do:

Provide warmth first. Use a heating pad on low (wrapped in a towel) or a warm water bottle.

Do NOT give cow’s milk. It can cause serious digestive issues. Use kitten formula such as KMR or Breeder’s Edge. Goat’s milk may be used temporarily in an emergency.

Handle gently. Neonatal kittens are fragile and easily stressed.

Warmth always comes before feeding.

 During kitten season, the number of homeless kittens rises dramatically. Many shelters do not have the staff or foster homes needed to provide around-the-clock care for neonatal kittens. A “no” does not mean the kittens don’t matter — it means resources are stretched beyond capacity.

Reach Out to Kitten-Focused Rescues

Even when shelters are full, foster-based rescues may be able to help or guide you.

Searching online for local kitten rescues

Contacting foster-based organizations in nearby counties

Using local community or Facebook groups to find support

Many rescues can offer supplies, education, or help you care for the kittens until placement is possible.

You May Be Their Temporary Foster

Many kitten fosters begin by unexpectedly finding kittens.

Some rescues (including ours when possible) can provide:

Formula, bottles, and basic supplies

Training and step-by-step guidance

Ongoing support by phone or message

Even short-term care can save lives while longer-term help is arranged.

Lean on Your Community

You don’t have to do this alone.

Ask friends or neighbors for help with supplies or feeding shifts

Reach out to local veterinarians for guidance

Share your situation in local community groups — many people want to help when they know what’s needed

If you found kittens, there is likely an unspayed mom nearby. Once the kittens are safe, helping mom get spayed through a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program can prevent future litters and suffering.

Many TNR programs offer traps, spay/neuter services, and support.

If you’ve found kittens and need guidance, please:

Review the steps above first

Then contact Hope’s Animal Kingdom Cat Rescue through email at hopesanimalkingdomrescue@yahoo.com, message us via our website, or fill out a stray surrender form and submit it promptly.

Include photos, location, and the kittens’ estimated age if possible

While we may not always be able to intake immediately, we will do our best to guide you and help keep the kittens safe.

💛 Thank You for Caring. Finding kittens can be overwhelming, especially when shelters are full. Taking even one step — keeping them warm, observing for mom, or reaching out for help — can make a life-saving difference.