Kitten season is currently underway, a biannual period marked by a surge in kitten births. During this time, the St. Augustine Humane Society (SAHS) experiences a significant increase in calls from individuals seeking advice on kittens or litters they have discovered.
One such case is Jackie, a kitten brought to SAHS just a few days after birth, weighing a mere 4-5 ounces. Her eyes were still closed, typically opening 7-8 days post-birth, and she had a visible umbilical cord stub. Initially, SAHS encouraged the person intending to surrender Jackie to keep her. When that proved unfeasible, SAHS intervened, providing immediate care by cleaning her, placing her in a safe, warm environment, and feeding her mama cat milk replacement every two hours via bottle. Named Jackie upon arrival, the name persisted, and she now has a promising chance of survival.
While SAHS strives for happy endings for all orphaned pets, the best chance for young kittens’ success is care from their mother. If a nest of kittens appears abandoned, the recommended course of action is to observe and wait. If the kittens are in a safe, dry place, leave them for a few hours as the mother might be temporarily away or relocating them. Many well-meaning individuals intervene prematurely. Before acting, consider a comprehensive eight-week care plan. SAHS can assist in developing a plan that includes the individual’s involvement, along with providing medical care, including spaying or neutering.