What To Do If You Come Across Kittens

ALBUQUERQUE — Here in Albuquerque, hundreds of orphaned kittens continue to arrive every week, making this time of year an overwhelming one for shelters. If you find a kitten or a litter of kittens, Animal Welfare Department (AWD) is asking for your help and providing resources and information on what to do.

If you find young kittens without their mom, it does not necessarily mean they have been abandoned. The mother could be out looking for food or finding a more suitable home for her kittens. If you find one or two kittens, their mother may be in the process of moving the family and is on her way back for the others.

Wait and observe from a distance for an hour or two. If possible, observe the site for several hours to be sure the kittens are truly abandoned. A great way to determine if momma cat is coming back without you seeing her is to take some regular all-purpose flour and sprinkle it around the area where the kittens are (avoiding putting any directly on the kittens). Usually you will see kitty paw prints in the flour — that is momma coming and going!

If you determine the kittens are in danger or truly abandoned, you can help save kitten lives and keep your local shelters from reaching capacity by becoming a foster parent. For more information about being a foster parent, please email [email protected]. In the foster program, AWD provides pet food and supplies when taking care of our shelter pets. For additional assistance on caring for kittens, email at [email protected]

“As a pet-friendly city, we are encouraging all residents to be informed about how to help during kitten season,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “With an influx of kittens needing homes, it’s a great time of year to step up and foster or take in a shelter pet as part of your family.”

“This is the time of year when AWD shelters are overrun with cuddly puppies and purring kittens, some of which are in need of 24/7 care,” said Director of Animal Welfare Department Carolyn Ortega. “AWD is asking the community’s help to make sure these kittens and puppies live happy, healthy lives by joining our fostering program.”

Those who cannot foster, should call 311 to make an appointment to bring the kittens to the shelter. If the kittens are weak, or have not eaten in 3 hours, the situation is an emergency. Please go to the Eastside shelter admissions entrance and someone will assist you.

Tips for Judging a Kitten’s Age

• Under one week: Eyes shut, ears flat to head, skin looks pinkish. Part of umbilical cord may still be attached.
• 1 week-10 days: Eyes beginning to open, ears still flat. A kitten this age is smaller than your hand.
• 3 weeks: Eyes are fully open, ears are erect, and teeth are visible. Kittens this age are just starting to walk and will be very wobbly.
• 4-5 weeks: Eyes have changed from blue to another color and/or kittens have begun to pounce and leap. Kittens this age will begin to eat gruel or canned food.
• 7 weeks: Kittens of this age are ready to be away from their mother cat. These kittens will start to eat crunchy kibble/food and are very active and playful. Kittens this age run, jump, and are very mobile.    

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Albuquerque Animal Welfare reminds you to always spay or neuter your pets.