Each spring through early fall, shelters across the country, including HSVC, prepare for the busiest time of year. Known as kitten season, this is the period when unspayed female cats give birth in large numbers. Litters of kittens start showing up everywhere, from backyards to parking lots, under sheds, and even in storm drains. While it’s natural to want to help, knowing the appropriate steps to take can make all the difference in the lives of these delicate young animals. 

Let’s start with the facts:

When you find a kitten or a litter outdoors, your first instinct might be to scoop them up and bring them to the shelter, but that’s not always the best move. In most cases, the mother cat is nearby, possibly hiding from you or out hunting to feed herself. Unless the kittens are in immediate danger from traffic, weather, or predators, the best course of action is to pause and observe. If the kittens are clean, warm, and quiet, chances are they’re being well cared for.

We recommend watching from a distance for four to six hours. If the mother cat returns and is friendly, bring her and the kittens inside to a safe space with food, water, and a litter box. If she’s feral, it's better to leave the group where they are with nearby food and shelter. You may need to intervene if the kittens appear sick, cold, or distressed, especially if the mother doesn’t return during that time. Note that HSVC does accept orphaned or abandoned kittens. However, please call the shelter at 805-646-6505 beforehand to ensure we have space and/or a foster available for the incoming kittens.

Not sure how old the kittens are?

Kittens under four-weeks-old are incredibly fragile and depend on either their mother's milk or bottle feeding to survive. Do not feed them cow's milk or any other milk that is not specifically formulated for kittens. They lack the proper enzymes to digest the lactose in milk properly, which can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea and dehydration. During this early stage, they typically nurse every two to three hours around the clock. These tiny babies may have closed or newly opened eyes, and will not be able to eat on their own. After feeding, they’ll need gentle burping, pottying, and stimulation to promote bonding and comfort. By the time they reach five to eight weeks, kittens can usually eat wet food and may be ready for general foster care and socialization.

If you’re unsure, you can use this kitten age guide (left) from the Kitten Lady or call us at the HSVC. We’re always happy to help determine the best next steps for their care. Weighing the kittens in grams, if possible, can be a helpful way to estimate their age if unknown. Taking photos of the kittens on the scale alongside their weight can also be very useful for keeping accurate records.

How you can help during kitten season:

Each year, the HSVC takes in kittens who are too young or vulnerable to stay in a traditional shelter environment. That’s where fosters come in. By opening your home, even temporarily, you provide these little ones with the time and space they need to grow strong, healthy, and be ready for adoption. No experience? No problem. We provide training, supplies, and support throughout the entire process. We highly recommend checking out the Kitten Lady for individuals who are eager to expand their knowledge in caring for fragile kittens and their Queen mothers. The Kitten Lady has a wealth of information and videos available on her website.  

If you are interested in joining our foster team, please click the button below to learn more or email our Foster Coordinator, Cheney, at [email protected]. Those who are not ready to foster yet but would still like to support the program can check out our Foster Kitten Amazon Wishlist below to help our kittens in need.

Learn About Fostering       View Foster Kitten Wishlist

Spay and neuter, it matters.

If you notice kittens in your neighborhood, it’s a clear sign that unspayed or unneutered adult cats are nearby. An unspayed female cat has the potential to have multiple litters each year, depending on her health and environmental factors. Each of these litters typically contains an average of four kittens, although this number can vary. Consequently, a single unaltered female cat can produce as many as twelve or more kittens in a single year. Kittens at the age of four-months-old can start having kittens of their own. Yes, you heard that right. Kittens having kittens!

Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) is the most humane and effective way to break this cycle of kittens being born on the streets, reduce overpopulation, and ensure a healthier, safer environment for both cats and the community. If you care for community cats or if your own pets aren’t spayed or neutered, we encourage you to schedule a spay/neuter appointment. Preventing unwanted litters is one of the most effective ways to reduce the strain on shelters during kitten season. Check out our Feral Cat Program to learn more about the low-cost options HSVC offers and connect you with the resources you need.

Other ways you can support the cause:

There are many ways you can make a difference during kitten season, such as fostering, volunteering to transport kittens to the shelter for vet appointments, or simply by sharing this message. One of the simplest (and most powerful) things you can do is educate others. When more people understand what to do and what not to do during kitten season, we can save more lives together. Adopting is another meaningful way to help once kittens are old enough and ready for their forever homes. By choosing adoption, you're giving a second chance to an animal in need and helping to free up space and resources for others still waiting. Visit the shelter, located at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai, Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm, or visit our website to view all our available animals if you're interested.

At HSVC, we’re doing everything we can to give these fragile kittens a fighting chance, but we can’t do it without your help! Whether you choose to foster, donate, adopt, volunteer, or simply spread the word, your compassion helps protect the most vulnerable animals in our community. Together, let’s make the rest of this kitten season one of compassion, care, and life-saving action.