Help Foster Bottle Babies
Kitten season is just around the corner, and we’re beginning to see more bottle baby kittens come through our doors. These fragile little ones need around-the-clock care, warmth, and feeding support and foster families make that possible.
If you’re interested in fostering bottle baby kittens this season, or if you’ve fostered bottle babies with us before and would like to help again, please click the link below to let us know.
What do I do if I find kittens?
Your first instinct may be to scoop them up and bring them in—but in most cases, the best thing you can do is to leave them alone.
Don’t Kit-nap Kittens!
Kittens often appear abandoned when mom is actually nearby, out searching for food or hiding from people. She is their best chance at survival. Here’s what to do:
- Take note of the exact time and location.
- Leave the area completely.
- Return in 8–12 hours to check back.
When You Return:
- Kittens are gone: That’s good! Mom came back. Want to help prevent more litters? Email us at intake@hssv.org to learn about our Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs.
- Kittens are still there: They may be orphaned and in need of care. Reach out to your local shelter to discuss how you can help.
Here’s How You Can Help
If you’ve found a healthy, friendly kitten who is approximately 4 to 7 weeks old, eating independently, and was found in Milpitas, San Jose, Cupertino, or Saratoga, we may be able to help. Please email us at intake@hssv.org before bringing any kittens to the shelter. Our team will let you know what’s possible based on current capacity and help guide you on the next best step.
You can also support kittens in our care by purchasing much-needed supplies from our Kitten Season Wishlist.
Resources
Looking for more guidance? Our Resources page is full of helpful information on what to do if you find kittens, how to care for them at home, and when to intervene. Whether you’re a first-time finder or a seasoned foster, you’ll find the tools and tips you need to make informed decisions.
Found Kittens? Here's How We Can Help
For kittens 0 to 3 weeks old, our ability to take them in depends on current capacity and available bottle baby foster support.
Healthy kittens under 8 weeks old may be eligible for intake. Reach out to our team before coming to the shelter so we can advise you based on current space and resources.
For kittens 8-12 weeks old, intake is based on our current capacity and the animal’s needs.
