It’s Kitten Season! Here’s What to Do If You Find Kittens

Every spring and summer, shelters across the country, including right here in the Inland Empire, see a dramatic surge in kittens. It’s called kitten season, and it’s the busiest, most critical time of year for animal welfare organizations like ARC.

If you’ve stumbled upon a litter of kittens outside and aren’t sure what to do, you’re not alone. Here’s a simple guide to help you make the best decision for them.

What is kitten season?

Kitten season typically runs from early spring through late fall, peaking between March and September. Warmer temperatures trigger cats’ reproductive cycles, which means more litters, and more kittens in need of care. Unspayed community cats (also called feral or outdoor cats) are the primary source, and a single cat can have multiple litters in one season.

You found kittens outside. Now what?

Step 1: Don’t rush to pick them up.

This is the most important rule. If the kittens appear to be sleeping or resting quietly and are not in immediate danger, the best thing you can do is wait and watch. Mom cats often leave their litter for hours at a time to hunt and eat. Just because you don’t see her doesn’t mean she’s abandoned them.

Step 2: Observe from a distance.

Give the area some space and check back in a few hours (or the next morning). If mom returns, she’s still caring for her babies, and that’s the best outcome. Kittens raised by their mother have a far better chance of survival than those placed in human care.

Step 3: Check if they need immediate help.

Intervene sooner if the kittens are:

•  Crying constantly or appear distressed

•  In a dangerous location (busy road, extreme heat, flooding)

•  Visibly injured, ill, or covered in flies/ants

•  Cold to the touch and unresponsive

•  Alone with no sign of mom after 8–12 hours

When mom is gone for good

If you’ve confirmed mom isn’t coming back, the kittens’ age matters a lot. Kittens under four weeks old are considered “neonates”; they can’t regulate their body temperature or go to the bathroom on their own and require round-the-clock bottle feeding. This is a big commitment.

If you’re able to foster them, contact ARC right away. We can connect you with the supplies and support you need. If fostering isn’t possible, reach out to us and we’ll help you find the right next step.

How you can help during kitten season

Kitten season is all-hands-on-deck for our team and volunteers. Here are a few ways to make a real difference:

• Foster: Even a week or two of fostering frees up critical shelter space.

• Donate: Kitten milk replacer, feeding syringes, and blankets are always needed.

• Adopt: If you’re ready for a pet, kitten season is a great time to open your heart and home.

• Spread the word: Share this guide with friends and neighbors. The more people know, the more lives we save.

Together, we can get every kitten through this season safely. If you ever have questions or need guidance, ARC is here.