Found Kittens?

A kitten’s best chance of survival is with their mother.

If you find kittens, we encourage you to leave them where you found them unless a) they are injured b) they are covered in fleas or c) mom has not come back in 8+ hours.

In that case, you can call 311 or bring them to Dallas Animal Services during operating hours.

Mom might be scared to come back if you’re watching her nest. Try leaving a ring of flour around the kittens and checking back after a few hours to see if you can see mom’s footprints.

If mom is present, please consider supporting this family as a D90 Foster hero! We will provide supplies and training – email us at DASFoster@dallas.gov.

Spanish version

Members of the DFW Kitten Network include:

Help! I found kittens and DAS is not open. What do I do?

Check your nearest 24/7 Walmart – they carry KMR and bottles in the Pet Care section. If no KMR is available, you can use boiled and cooled cow or even better, goat’s milk.

Keep them warm – if you don’t have a warming pad or heated blanket, fill a thick sock with dried rice or beans and warm in the microwave in 30 seconds increments until the sock is warm (not hot). Shake the sock well to ensure even distribution of heat. Wrap the sock in a towel or blanket and place next to the kittens.

Keep them fed – Bring milk to a boil on the stove and let cool until it is slightly warm (not hot!) to the touch. This boiling step is critical, because kittens cannot digest cow’s milk. If you do not have a bottle or feeding syringe, you can use your finger to place the milk gently on their tongue. Feed them with their bellies facing the floor, not on their backs. Feed the kittens every few hours until you can bring them to our shelter when we open.

Kittens need to be stimulated to eliminate, as they cannot go to the bathroom on their own. Their mother would lick them to initiate elimination – you can use a slightly damp cotton round or soft cloth to rub their genital area gently. Wipe them well afterwards with baby wipes.

Next Steps After Finding Kittens

Unfortunately, there are times when kittens become permanently separated from their mothers. In this case, it is important to get them appropriate care.

You’d make a great foster parent! If you’re willing to care for the kittens until they’re two months old (or weigh 2 lbs) and can be fixed for adoption, call 311 and let them know you’re interested in being a D90 Foster Hero!

If you’re unable to care for the kittens, we’re still here to help. If you found confirmed orphaned, critically sick, or injured kittens within the city of Dallas, call 311 and we will work to find them a foster within our program or with one of our rescue partners. Or, come to Dallas Animal Services during our operating hours.