Especially during the spring and early summer, it is relatively easy to find a kitten a few weeks old trying to get by on the street. And, also, it is when those of us who want to do everything possible for these beloved felines have the most trouble.
It's very sad to see, so much so that our first reaction is usually to go shopping kitten food or try to catch him as soon as possible. Living in those conditions is not easy, especially for such a young furry friend. For this reason, I'm going to tell you in detail. how to help a stray kitten And what you should keep in mind to also protect adult cats that live outdoors.
He looks for his mother and assesses the situation.
I'm not going to lie to you: when you see a kitten alone in the street, most likely It's possible the mother isn't around or something has happened to her. But sometimes you can get a surprise. Therefore, the first thing you have to do is try to look for her aroundespecially if you see that the little one is very young and can barely walk well.
Observe the kitten for a few minutes from a distance to check if it appears clean, with round tummy and good appearanceOr, conversely, if it is very thin, dirty, has eye discharge, or diarrhea. A well-cared-for puppy may be hiding while its mother searches for food; a very deteriorated puppy usually indicates abandonment or illness.
Leave her kitten food in the corner and wait a while (Half an hour, or an hour) hide to see if an adult cat appears and shows affection to the kitten. If a female cat appears, licks it, stays close, and eats calmly, you've found a kitten. mother who continues to care of their offspring, although they may need support with food and shelter.
If that's not the case, or if you suspect the kitten may be sick, very disoriented, or in danger from traffic or people, proceed to the following; but if you're lucky and the mother appears, I recommend Leave them food every day and try to contact an animal shelter to assess sterilization and control of the colony.
"Catch" the kitten calmly and safely
I put it in quotation marks for a simple reason: the stray kitten, besides being hungry and scared, is also very much in need of affection. Picking it up is so simple For example, you could offer him a can of kitten food, cover him with a towel or blanket, and put him in the carrier. Often, you don't even need to cover him with anything, but doing so reduces stress and prevents him from escaping.
If the child is very scared or hissing, approach slowly, avoid sudden movements, and use a Large towel to wrap it carefully. For older or very wary cats, it may be necessary to use trap cages provided by animal shelters or city councils, to avoid scratches and bites and not worsen their fear.
Once you have it with you, speak with a soft and calm tone of voiceHe probably won't understand you, but hearing you speak should make him feel calm, which will be very helpful for him. Keep the carrier in a quiet area, away from loud noises, dogs, or other stimuli that might frighten him further.
It's important to remember that some cats we see on the street may be:
- Outdoor catsThey have homes, they may or may not be neutered, but they go for walks and appear relatively healthy.
- Sociable stray catsThey have lived with humans at some point and can approach them easily.
- Feral or wild catsThey have had very little contact with people, are very distrustful, and may react aggressively if they feel cornered.
Very young kittens are easier to handle, but with adult cats that won't let you pick them up, the wisest course of action is ask for help from a shelter or animal rescue organization before trying to catch them on your own.
Take him to the vet for a complete check-up
It's one of those things you have to do out of obligation. You have to know if it has a microchip (Again, it's very unlikely in a very small kitten, but you never know.) and also if you have any disease or internal and external parasites.
If you have a family looking for you, thanks to the microchip you can return home; and if you don't have a chip, it is advisable to get one. wait at least ten days before deciding What to do with the little one. During that time, you should put up "Found Kitten" posters with his picture in the area, ask neighbors, and share the information on social media and local groups, as someone might be worried about him and trying to find him.
The veterinarian will take the opportunity to perform a complete physical examAssess weight, hydration, gum and mucous membrane condition, eyes, skin, and coat, as well as check for fleas, ticks, or other parasites. In many cases, especially if the kitten is older, tests such as the following are recommended:
- Fecal test to detect intestinal parasites.
- Feline leukemia test and other viral diseases if age permits.
- basic vaccines when the veterinarian deems it safe.
On the other hand, if he were sick, being so small he is very fragile and vulnerable. The professional will examine him and put him on the... treatment that requires To restore their health: deworming, medication for respiratory infections, ointments or eye drops, or even hospital admission if necessary.
While its health status is being resolved, it is advisable to keep the kitten in quarantine Regarding other cats in your house, keep them in a separate room with their own food bowl, water bowl, and litter box until the veterinarian confirms there is no risk of contagion.
Basic care of a rescued kitten at home
Once home, the little one will need more than just food. A kitten that comes from the street requires patience and gentlenesswhether it's a very young baby or a few months old.
Prepare for him a quiet and safe spaceA room where it can be safe (no cables, gaps where it could get trapped, open windows) and where it has its litter box, clean water, age-appropriate food, and a comfortable, warm bed. Avoid loud noises and constant visitors; it needs to rest and feel secure.
Regarding food, it offers food specifically for kittensGood quality wet and/or dry food. Stray kittens have survived by eating whatever they find, so they may eat very anxiously at first. You can offer several small feedings throughout the day, maintaining a stable routine schedules so that he feels more secure.
Remember cow's milk is not suitable For most cats, because many are lactose intolerant. If it's a kitten that can't yet eat solid food, it will be necessary to use specific formula milk for catsnever regular milk.
To help your kitten trust you, stay nearby while it eats, but without invading its space. Speak to it softly, offer simple toys, and let it approach at its own pace. Some kittens start purring early, while others need more time to show it. trust and affection.
Decide what to do with him and how to help other stray cats
After ten days, and if no one has asked about it, then you can ask yourself what you are going to do with the kittenAre you going to keep him, or are you going to find him a family? Of course, if you can afford it, the little one will surely be thrilled to be with you, since after all, you're the one who saved his life; but if you can't, I recommend asking an animal shelter for help finding him a good home, where he'll be loved and cared for until his last days.
If you decide to adopt, assume that a cat from the street may need more time to adapt than one raised at home. They may initially appear more independent, fearful, or distrustful. Your role will be to offer them routine, safety and a lot of respect at their own pace, and have the support of your veterinarian for any health or behavioral problems.
If you can't keep him, you can still help a lot by taking care of:
- Share your case with clear photos and an honest description of his character.
- Contact with animal shelters and refuges that manage responsible adoptions.
- Contribute to their temporary upkeep with food, sand, or part of the veterinary expenses.
Beyond this particular kitten, a very effective way to help stray cats is to support or participate in programs that sterilization and colony controlThese programs reduce the number of unwanted litters, improve the overall health of cats, and prevent many kittens from ending up suffering on the streets.
Sometimes a small gesture is enough: always leaving clean water in a corner, providing simple, insulated shelters for the winter, offering appropriate food, and notifying an animal rescue organization when you see a cat that is injured, very sick, or in danger. Every action, however small it may seem, can make a difference. the difference between life and death for a stray kitten.
When we better understand how stray cats live, what they eat, what diseases they may suffer from, and how they interact, it becomes easier to make responsible decisions and offer truly helpful support. Accompanying a kitten from the harshness of the street to a safe home is an intense and deeply rewarding experience, and also a precious way to gradually improve the lives of many other felines who haven't yet had that opportunity.
I hope you found this article helpful 