Found a Kitten? Here's What to Do
Whether you've spotted a tiny ball of fluff in your back garden, stumbled across a litter in an alleyway, or found a lone kitten mewing in a hedgerow — it can be a stressful and emotional moment. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do if you find a kitten.
Step 1: Don't Rush In — Observe First
Before you scoop up the kitten, take a step back and watch from a distance for at least an hour. Mother cats (queens) often leave their kittens while they hunt for food. If the kittens are clean, quiet, and tucked together, mum is likely nearby and doing a great job. Intervening too early can do more harm than good.
Signs the kittens need help:
- They are crying constantly and seem distressed
- They appear cold, wet, or dirty
- There are signs of injury or illness
- The mother has not returned after several hours
- You know the mother has been killed (e.g. road accident)
Step 2: Keep Them Warm and Safe
If the kittens do need your help, warmth is the priority — especially in Ireland's unpredictable climate. Hypothermia is a serious risk for young kittens. Place them in a cardboard box lined with a soft towel or blanket. You can use a hot water bottle wrapped in a cloth to provide gentle heat, but never place it directly against their skin.
Step 3: Contact an Animal Rescue or Shelter
Ireland has a fantastic network of animal rescue organisations who can advise you or take in the kittens. Some key contacts in Ireland include:
- NSPCA (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) — nspca.ie
- Cats Aid — catsaid.com (Dublin-based, specialising in cats)
- Your local vet — they are often happy to accept stray kittens and help find them either new homes a a place in a shelter
- Local independent rescues — search Facebook for your county's rescue groups
Many Irish rescues are run by volunteers and may be at capacity, so be patient and try multiple contacts if needed.
Step 4: Do Not Give Cow's Milk
This is one of the most common mistakes people make. Cow's milk is harmful to kittens and can cause serious digestive issues. If the kittens are very young (eyes still closed, under 4 weeks), they will need kitten milk replacer (KMR), available from most Irish pet shops and vets. Feeding very young kittens requires skill — contact a rescue for guidance before attempting it yourself.
Step 5: Visit Your Local Vet
If you're unsure about the kittens' health, bring them to your nearest vet. Many Irish vets will do an initial assessment free of charge for stray animals, or can direct you to the appropriate rescue. The kittens may need treatment for fleas, worms, or infections — all very common in strays.
Step 6: Consider Fostering or Adopting
If you've fallen in love with your little foundling, why not consider giving them a forever home? Ireland has thousands of cats and kittens in need of adoption every year. Many rescues will support you through the process and provide the kitten's vaccinations, microchipping, and neutering before rehoming.
Once Your Kitten Is Safe — Don't Forget a Collar
Once your new kitten has settled in and been checked by a vet, a lightweight breakaway collar is a great next step. It helps identify them if they ever slip out, and gets them used to wearing one from an early age.
Our kitten-safe breakaway collars are handmade in Ireland, lightweight, and adjustable — perfect for a growing rescue kitten. Not sure which size to get? Our cat collar measuring guide makes it easy. And when you're ready to put it on for the first time, read our tips on how to introduce a collar to a kitten for a stress-free experience. You may also want to check whether breakaway collars are safe for kittens — spoiler: they absolutely are!