DSC_1211 copy_s.JPG)
Rescueing a litter 
What to do when you find a litter of kittens
This litter of kittens was found on a flatbed truck, brought to DHA, and fostered by a DHA foster mother. All were adopted.
When you begin spring cleanup this year, you may find more than leaves and debris in your back yard. You may discover a litter of kittens who have lost their home, or who never had one.
Ideally, they will be healthy, approachable, and with their mother. If you encounter such a situation, please contact DHA. We will instruct you to bring the animals to our shelter or, if we have no space, we’ll provide you with care instructions or with contact information for other rescue groups. If the animals are not approachable, you may need to use a humane trap to catch them.
f no animal organizations can take the kittens, it may be up to you to accommodate them, at least temporarily. DHA staff will work with you as far as our resources allow, including providing foster care advice. We will also provide on request a copy of our manual Raising Orphan Kittens (also available at www.dehumane.org). Fortunately even feral (unsocialized) kitties, if rescued when they are young, have a good chance of being domesticated.
As people become more responsible about having their pets spayed/neutered, the number of unwanted litters will diminish. Until that time, we, as compassionate animal lovers, must try to alleviate the suffering of abandoned or stray animals. The “trap-neuter-return” method advocated by many rescue organizations is one humane way to ensure that these cats will not contribute to the epidemic of overpopulation. This is a crucial step in the campaign to make Delaware the first no-kill state.
Please do your part. Spay/neuter your feline pets, keep them indoors, and try to help if you discover an abandoned cat or kittens. For more details, please read DHA's Animal Intake & Assessment Policy.
