Don't kitnap!
We urge you to please pause and assess the situation before "rescuing" outdoor kittens. Not all kittens need saving, and the wrong move could do more harm than good.
Kitten season is here! Here's how to help.
Every spring and summer, animal shelters across the country—including the Fluvanna SPCA—see a dramatic rise in the number of kittens brought through their doors. During this period, known as “kitten season,” many well-meaning community members find litters of kittens outdoors and assume they’ve been abandoned. But in most cases, they haven’t. Removing these kittens from their environment—especially when they appear healthy—can actually do more harm than good. Want to help? Read on!
What to do when you find kittens
1
Pause and observe
If the kittens appear healthy —clean, well-fed, and quiet, it’s likely their mother is still caring for them. Keep a distant eye on the area for several hours. If the mother returns, leave the kittens where they are until they are approximately eight weeks old and can be safely adopted.
2
Assess their safety
Are the kittens be located in a hazardous spot (near traffic, predators, flooding, etc.)? If so, gently move them to a safer location nearby so the mother can still find and care for them.
3
When to intervene
If you're certain the mother is not returning or the kittens appear sick, cold, thin, or injured, contact a veterinarian or Fluvanna SPCA for further instructions.
When kittens truly need intervention—whether due to illness, injury, or confirmed abandonment—community support becomes critical to their survival.
Here is how you can help:
1
Foster
Young, unweaned kittens require specialized around-the-clock care which is difficult to provide in the shelter. Fluvanna SPCA depends on the compassion and commitment of foster volunteers to help kittens grow healthy and strong in a safe home environment. Kitten fosters are provided with care kits with supplies, training, and ongoing support. Once kittens reach eight weeks or two pounds, the shelter coordinates spay/neuter and adoption.
2
Spay/neuter
The most effective way to reduce the number of homeless kittens is through spay/neuter. Affordable services are available through Augusta SPCA or low-cost events.
3
Educate
Education is key. Share these lifesaving tips with neighbors, friends, and family to ensure more kittens found in Fluvanna receive the care they truly need—and fewer end up unnecessarily in the shelter.
The future is bright!
Nationwide, progress is being made thanks in large part to community support. According to Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national animal welfare organization working to end the killing of cats and dogs in America’s shelters, the number of cats killed in U.S. shelters decreased by 10.1% in 2024, marking the lowest point in recorded history. This improvement is due in large part to increased community support through adoptions and foster-based care.
For more information on helping community cats visit Alleycat.org.