04/10/2026
Kit-napping is one of the most common (and well-intentioned) mistakes we see during kitten season.
At YVAS, we start to see an increase in kittens every spring. Many of these kittens are brought in by kind people who truly believe the kittens have been abandoned… but in reality, mom is often nearby. Kit-napping refers to what happens when kittens are removed from their outdoor environment, when they don’t actually need human intervention.
Mother cats will often leave their kittens alone for hours at a time while they search for food. This is normal behavior - and it doesn’t mean the kittens have been abandoned.
Common situations we see:
🐾 Kittens found alone, quiet, and tucked away
🐾 No mother in sight (but she’s likely nearby)
🐾 Kittens that appear “small” but are otherwise healthy
🐾 People stepping in too quickly out of concern
One of the biggest impacts of kit-napping is that it separates kittens from their best chance at survival.. their mom. Kittens raised by their mother have a significantly higher survival rate (75-90%) than those removed too early (dropping the survival rate to 15-30%). Neonatal kittens without a mom require intensive, around-the-clock care — and even with support, they are far more vulnerable.
So, what should you do if you find kittens?
Here’s a quick guide:
✅ Pause before intervening - mom may be out hunting
✅ Observe from a distance for several hours (4-6 is ideal)
✅ Look for signs of healthy kittens: warm, quiet, and not crying constantly
✅ Try the “flour test” - lightly sprinkle flour around the area to see if mom returns
✅ Keep pets and people away so mom feels safe coming back
Kittens may need help if:
🚩 They are cold, lethargic, or continuously crying
🚩 They appear injured or sick
🚩 You have confirmed mom has not returned after extended observation
If you’re unsure, reach out before removing them. A quick conversation with our staff can make all the difference!
At our shelter, we want to keep kittens with their moms whenever possible; it gives them the best chance to grow into healthy, well-adjusted cats. Because sometimes helping… means waiting. 🐾