Be patient–remember, you want to help the kitten, not unnecessarily remove it from its mother. Mother cats usually search for food in the mid-afternoon, while her kittens are sleeping. If you are seeing the kitten alone in the morning, it’s an added sign it has been abandoned. [2] X Research source
There are a few ways that you should be able to get a rough estimate on the kitten’s age. Kittens open their eyes at about 10 days; if their eyes are not open yet, you know you’re dealing with an infant. [3] X Research source Another good way to tell is to gauge the kitten’s activity level. Typically, kittens begin to walk at about 3 weeks. If you see a kitten who seems to be able to walk and play without too much wobbling, you can be pretty sure that your kitten is at least 4 weeks old. [4] X Research source
Also, you can’t be sure what the medical history of a stray cat is, so it’s good to be a little wary (no matter how cute it is). Try calling a local vet or animal shelter to ask if they have any good information on cats living in your area. [5] X Research source
Whether you plan to keep the kitten or find it another home, you’ll want to make sure it is healthy. Make sure you’ve given some thoughts to the steps you’ll take to catch the kitten and to handle it after you succeed. [6] X Research source
A humane trap is one that will not injure or kill the kitten. If you are going to purchase a trap, ask a local vet for suggestions on which brand to buy. Try shopping at your local pet store or hardware store. If you plan to make a trap, make sure you research ones that will neither harm nor kill the kitten. Use a trap door that will close gently but quickly and firmly after the kitten enters the trap. Ask for tips about materials at your neighborhood hardware store. Don’t try to trap the kitten the first time you stop it. Instead, prepare your trap, and spend a few days placing food in there–while leaving the door of the cage open. That way, the kitten will begin to head into the trap willingly after it begins to associate it with food.
Make sure to have a carrier (or even a box with a lid) handy before you try this method. [10] X Research source
Kittens are cute and can become cuddly, but this one is still a wild animal. If one escapes from its carrier (or box, etc) you can try gently scooping it up with a towel. [12] X Research source
Make sure your kitten is comfortable in confinement. Provide it with the basics–a towel to sleep on, food, water, and somewhere to go to the bathroom (this can be a newspaper or a small litter box).
You’ll want to specifically make sure the vet to check for basic ailments such as worms, distemper, rabies, and respiratory problems. Also, it’s a great idea to talk to the vet about having the kitten spayed or neutered. [13] X Expert Source Carrie Seay, MS-CABAC, KPA-CTP, CBCC-KAFeline Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 1 March 2022.
Remember that this is a big adjustment for a stray kitten, and it will take some time to adjust. Seek advice from the vet and the local shelter on how to properly bond with the kitten. Hopefully, in time, you’ll have a new best friend! [15] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
