It’s officially kitten season—and that means you’re more likely to spot stray kittens nestled under porches, tucked away in bushes, or even napping in garden sheds. Our first instinct when we see a kitten or litter of kittens is to scoop them up and bring them inside to “save” them. 

But here’s the thing: sometimes, helping means not intervening. 

That’s where our Don’t Kitnap Kittens initiative comes in. This public education campaign is all about protecting the wellbeing of kittens through keeping them out of shelters when it’s safe to do so, thoughtful observation, and community care. 

Why Not Just Bring Stray Kittens In?

It’s natural to want to help, but removing kittens too soon—especially from their mother—can actually do more harm than good. Kittens are incredibly fragile. Without mom’s care, they can quickly fall ill or develop behavioural problems that affect them for life. 

Animal shelters, no matter how well run, are not ideal environments for unweaned kittens. Formula lacks the natural antibodies in a mother’s milk, and kittens are especially susceptible to infections like upper respiratory illness, diarrhea, and even fatal conditions like panleukopenia. Simply put, mom is the best caregiver. 

What Should You Do If You Find Kittens?

Start with observation. Ask yourself: 

• Do they look healthy? Bright eyes, clean fur, and warm bodies are good signs. 
• Are they eating solid food? If they’re old enough, they may be ready for fostering and socialization. 
• Is mom around? She may just be out hunting or hiding nearby. If people are too close, she might not come back. Try sprinkling flour around the area and checking later for paw prints—just make sure to observe from a distance.  

Healthy kittens that are safe and still nursing should stay with their mother until they’re weaned, which is usually around 8 weeks old. But if they’re in danger, visibly sick, or mom hasn’t returned after several hours, that’s when they need your help. 

Visit our Don’t Kitnap Kittens resource page for a full step-by-step guide on what to do. 

Want to Be Part of the Solution?

The first step in helping outdoor kittens is learning about Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)—a humane and effective way to prevent more kittens from being born outside in the first place. By supporting or participating in TNR, you’re tackling the root of the issue and making a lasting impact. 

Of course, when kittens are already here and need care, you can make a life-saving difference by becoming a foster parent—especially for neonatal kittens who need round-the-clock attention. You’ll provide a warm, safe space for these little ones to grow, and we’ll provide the training, supplies, and support. 

Whether you’ve found a litter and want to foster them yourself, or you’re simply ready to open your heart and home to vulnerable kittens this season, we’d love to hear from you. 

Email us at foster@torontohumanesociety.com to get started! 

Together, we can keep stray kittens safe, healthy, and on the path to loving homes—without unnecessary separation from their moms. So, this kitten season, remember, if mom is around her kittens, they appear healthy, and she is taking care of them: don’t kitnap kittens.