No one can bear to see a kitten in danger even if he or she is not a cat lover. Whether in your neighborhood or in a busy business district, there's a good chance you'll see kittens wandering aimlessly. Street kittens will look adorable. After all, the tiny beast was still small and helpless. If you find a kitten that needs a home, you can try catching it. There are a number of things you can do to keep your kitten safe, without hurting her, and not bothering you.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Assessing the Situation
Step 1. Find a mother cat nearby
If you see a kitten that is alone, the first step is to determine if the mother is still around. It's possible that the mother cat left her kittens, or it could be that she just went out to find food. The only way to know if the kitten has been abandoned by its mother is to wait. You should observe the situation for more than a few minutes. Try to observe from a slightly hidden place so that the kitten doesn't get scared and run away.
Be patient. Remember, you want to help the kitten, not separate it from its mother. Mother cats usually look for food in the afternoon, when the kittens are sleeping. If you see a kitten alone in the morning, it can be an additional sign that it has been abandoned
Step 2. Estimate the kitten's age
While you can't get an exact number, it's important to try to estimate the kitten's age. Mother cats usually start weaning their kittens around 6 weeks of age. You'll need to find out if the kitten is younger than that so you can prepare yourself to take care of it.
- There are several ways to get a rough estimate of a kitten's age. Kittens open their eyes when they are about 10 days old. If you see that her eyes are not open yet, you will no doubt have to deal with a baby kitten.
- Another way to tell a kitten's age is to evaluate their activity level. Usually, kittens start walking when they are about 3 weeks old. If you see a kitten that can walk and play without seeming wobbly, it's probably at least 4 weeks old.
Step 3. Talk to the neighbors
You have to make sure that the kitten is really a street cat. Although still small, it is possible for someone to lose their pet. Take the time to investigate. Try asking people who live in your neighborhood if they have seen the kitten and have any information about its owner. In addition to talking directly to neighbors, you can also put up posters around the house.
Step 4. Learn about feral cats
Street kittens can also be called stray cats. If you are dealing with non-pet animals, you should be careful. Know that street cats are very different from the cats you see at the pet store or at a friend's house. Street cats tend to be nervous and unfamiliar with humans.
In addition, you can not confirm the medical history of street cats. So you better be a little wary (no matter how cute the animal is). Try contacting your local vet or animal shelter for information about cats that live in your area
Step 5. Make a plan
Of course you have to take the right steps to ensure the cat's safety. Therefore, you have to do some deliberation and planning. Try to be honest with yourself. For example, do you have enough time to do it right? Catching a street cat can take several days. You should also take the time to take care of it afterwards. Make sure you have everything you need and contact your vet to find out where to take him for medical treatment.
Whether you plan to raise the kitten yourself or give it to someone else, make sure it's in good health. Make sure you think about the steps you will take to catch the kitten and take care of it once your efforts are successful
Method 2 of 3: Catching Kittens
Step 1. Use traps
You can make your own trap or buy one, but make sure it won't hurt the kitten. Don't injure the kitten you're so desperate to save. Also make sure you don't hurt yourself (no one wants to get their finger caught in a trap). One of the best ways to safely trap kittens is to use food as bait. Canned fish is quite effective and affordable. You can try it.
- Humane traps will not injure or kill kittens. If you decide to buy a trap, ask your local vet to recommend a good brand. You can buy them at your local pet or home supply store.
- If you plan to build your own trap, make sure you choose a method that won't hurt or kill the kitten. Use a trap door that closes gently, but quickly, once the kitten has entered the trap. Head to your nearest building materials store for ideas on safe materials to use.
- Don't try to catch a kitten the first time you manage to stop it. Instead, set up a trap, and take a few days to put food in it. Keep the trap door open for the kitten to return willingly for associating it with food.
Step 2. Show your affection
It's important that you treat your kitten as nicely as possible. Remember, he is not used to interacting with humans. Getting caught in a trap would be quite a traumatic experience for him. Try to be calm, calm, and gentle around the kitten.
Step 3. Take a break
Catching a cat can be frustrating. You have to be patient, not just with the kitten, but with yourself. Take enough time to put your plan into action. Remember, it's important to get some information about the kitten (age, whereabouts of the mother, etc.) and this can take some time. After gathering information, take a break before starting the capture process. If you are relaxed and confident, everything will go smoothly.
Step 4. Lure the kitten into an enclosed area
If you don't like the idea of using traps, don't worry, there are other options. Try to "herd" the kitten slowly into an enclosed area. Use the same bait to lure him into the trap, which is food. Once you've successfully led him into an enclosed area (for example, an angle where he won't be able to escape easily), you can slowly guide him to the cat's basket.
Make sure you have a cat basket (or box with a lid) before trying this method
Step 5. Earn the kitten's trust
It's possible that you don't need to lure the kittens or use traps. With time and patience, you can become friends with him and can take him home without a fight. To win his trust, be someone he can rely on. Bring food to him regularly, at the same time, for several days. Show a calm and gentle demeanor when around him. After some time (it could be a few days or weeks), the kitten will get used to your presence and become less afraid.
Method 3 of 3: Taking Care of Kittens
Step 1. Handle the kitten gently
Your mission is not over yet by catching the kitten. Now, you have to take good care of it. Wear gloves when you handle it. Don't handle it with your bare hands until you take it to the vet for a check-up.
Kittens are very cute and adorable, but they are still wild animals. If he manages to get out of the cat's basket (or box), try lifting him up with a towel
Step 2. Try confining the kitten
The confinement process is especially important when you introduce a kitten to its new environment. To avoid further trauma, it's a good idea to introduce new things (other people, sounds, and other animals) gradually. Once you have rescued the kitten, put it in a safe place. You can choose a small space, like a bathroom, or even a cozy cardboard box so no one gets in your way.
Make sure the kitten is comfortable during the isolation process. Provide basic necessities, such as towels for bedding, food, water, and a place to go to the bathroom (you can use newspaper or a small litter box)
Step 3. Perform a medical examination
You should take the kitten to the nearest vet. Have your doctor do all the necessary tests and vaccinations. You may have to spend a lot of money, make sure you are prepared for this. In addition, this process may be scary for kittens. So, as much as possible try to give him the most comfortable and quiet journey possible.
Make sure you have your vet check for basic pathological conditions such as intestinal worms, distemper, rabies, and respiratory problems. Also consider the possibility of castration or sterilization for the animal
Step 4. Find a home that will accept the kitten
There's no doubt that kittens are adorable, but you may not want to keep them, or simply can't afford to take good care of them. In that case, try to find a new home for him. If you have time (and you want to be able to visit it), try calling a friend or acquaintance. Place ads on social media. It's hard to resist a cute kitten! If you can't find a home for the kitten, contact the nearest animal shelter. They can help find a new owner for the kitten.
Step 5. Take care of the kitten
Maybe you can't resist this sweet fluffy creature yourself and decide to share your home with it. It was incredible! Make sure you're ready to be the best friend and parent to your new pet. In addition to giving him everything he needs (a litter box, food, toys, and medicine), you also need to be emotionally prepared.
Remember that kittens will go through major changes and will take time to adjust. Ask your vet and local animal shelter for advice on how to bond with your kitten. Over time, you will have new best friends
Tips
- Be patient. This is a whole new experience for both you and the kitten.
- Treat kittens well. He must have been terrified.
