Media Advisory
May 25, 2018
Contact: Desiree Cawley, (505) 768-2000
Kitten Season is Here!
Albuquerque – If you find young kittens without their mom, it does not automatically mean they have been abandoned by their mother. The mother could be out looking for food, or finding a more suitable home for her kittens. If you find one or two kittens, their mother may be in the process of moving the family and is on her way back for the others.
Wait and observe from a distance for an hour or two.
If possible observe the sight for several hours to be sure that the kittens are truly abandoned. Each situation is different, but ultimately the observer will use your own judgment to decide if the kittens have been abandoned. Depending upon the litter’s needs, time and resources the rescuer can make a decision if they would like to care for the litter or if they can contact a local shelter. If unsure about what to do with the tiny kittens please contact (505) 250-6037 or email at jrmf@swcp.com.
Tips for judging a kitten’s age
- Under one week: Eyes shut, ears flat to head, skin looks pinkish. Part of umbilical cord may still be attached.
- 1 week-10 days: Eyes beginning to open, ears still flat. A kitten this age is smaller than your hand.
- 3 weeks: Eyes are fully open, ears are erect, and teeth are visible. Kittens this age are just starting to walk and will be very wobbly.
- 4-5 weeks: Eyes have changed from blue to another color and/or kittens have begun to pounce and leap. Kittens this age will begin to eat gruel or canned food.
- 7 weeks: Best time to bring them to the shelter as kittens of this age who are ready to be away from their mother cat. Kittens of this age will start to eat crunchy kibble/food and are very active and playful. Kittens this age run, jump, and are very mobile.