It's hard to resist a kitten who seems to be in danger, even if you're not a cat lover.Chances are good that you've seen a kitten that looks like it doesn't have a home.A kitten is hard to resist.They are small and helpless.It is tempting to try to catch a kitten if you see it in need of a home.There are a number of things you need to do in order to make the capture painless for you and the kitten.
Step 1: The mother cat is nearby.
If the mother cat is still in the picture, you need to figure out if the kitten is alone.She may have abandoned her kitten, but she may also be out looking for food.The only way to know if the kitten is motherless is to wait.For more than a few minutes, you need to observe the situation.You can be frightened away if you watch from a spot where the kitten won't notice you.You want to help the kitten, not remove it from its mother.Mother cats look for food in the afternoon while her kittens sleep.It's a sign that the kitten has been abandoned if you see it alone in the morning.
Step 2: The kitten's age should be estimated.
It's important that you figure out how old the kitten is, because you won't be able to get an exact number.Mother cats tend to wean their litters at about 6 weeks.If the kitten is younger than that, you will be prepared to care for it.You should be able to get a rough estimate on the kitten's age.When kittens open their eyes, you know you're dealing with an infant.To gauge the kitten's activity level is a good way to tell.At about 3 weeks, kittens begin to walk.You can be pretty sure that your kitten is at least 4 weeks old if you see a kitten that is able to walk and play.
Step 3: Talk to your friends.
You want to make sure that the kitten is not a stray.It could still be a missing pet, even though it is young.Take some time to investigate.You can ask the people who live near you if they have seen the kitten or if it is somewhere else.You can post flyers around your area and chat face to face with your neighbors.
Step 4: You can learn about cats.
A stray kitten may be called a wild cat.You will want to be cautious when dealing with non-domesticated animals.Stray cats are not the same as the ones you see in a pet store or at a friend's house.They are not used to humans.It's good to be a little cautious because you can't be sure what the medical history of a stray cat is.Ask your local vet or animal shelter if they have any information on cats in your area.
Step 5: Make a plan.
You want to make sure the kitten is safe.It will take some thought and planning on your part.There are a lot of questions to ask.Do you have enough time to do this right?It can take a few days to catch a stray cat, and you will need to care for the kitten after you catch it.Make sure you have everything you need, and that you contact a vet so you know where to take the kitten for medical care.You will want to make sure the kitten is healthy if you plan to keep it.Make sure you give yourself enough time to catch the kitten and handle it after you do.
Step 6: A trap can be used.
Whether you are making a homemade trap or buying one, make sure you use one that is humane.You don't want to hurt the kitten that you are trying to save.No one wants to get their finger caught in a trap.Food is one of the best ways to lure a kitten into a trap.You could try canned fish as an inexpensive and effective food item.A humane trap won't hurt or kill the kitten.If you are going to buy a trap, it is a good idea to talk to a local vet.You can shop at your local hardware store.If you're going to make a trap, make sure you research ones that won't hurt or kill the kitten.After the kitten enters the trap, use a trap door that closes quickly and firmly.You can ask for tips at the hardware store.The first time you stop the kitten, don't try to trap it.While leaving the door of the cage open, prepare your trap and place food there for a few days.After it starts to associate it with food, the kitten will head into the trap willingly.
Step 7: Be compassionate.
You want to be kind to the kitten.It doesn't have a lot of experience with humans.Being caught is going to be very traumatic.When you are near the kitten, be calm and gentle.
Step 8: Take a break.
It can be difficult to catch a kitten.You will need to be patient with yourself as well.It's important to give yourself enough time to carry out your plan.It will take some time to learn about the kitten's age, the status of the mom, and so on.Take a break before you start the trapping process.The process will go smoothly if you are relaxed and confident.
Step 9: The kitten can belured into a confined space.
Don't worry, you have other options if you are nervous about using a trap.A kitten can be "herding" into a confined space.If you were trying to lure the kitten into a trap, use the same method.You can gently guide the kitten into a small pet carrier once you corral it in a confined space.Before you try this method, make sure to have a carrier handy.
Step 10: The kitten needs to trust you.
You might not have to lure or trap the kitten.You might be able to befriend the animal if you invest enough time and patience in the process.To gain the kitten's trust, be a reliable force in its life.For several days, feed it regularly and at the same time.In its presence, be calm and gentle.After a while, the kitten might come to accept your presence without fear.
Step 11: The kitten should be handled with care.
It's not the end of your project if you catch the kitten.You should be prepared to handle it carefully once you have it.A pair of gloves is important when dealing with a kitten.The kitten should be checked out by the vet before you handle it.There are cute kittens, but this one is still a wild animal.If one escapes from its carrier, you can scoop it up with a towel.
Step 12: It's possible to try containment.
When introducing a kitten to a new environment, the containment process is important.To keep it from becoming more traumatised, you want to introduce new things slowly.Make sure you have a safe place to bring the kitten when you first rescue it.This could be a small room or a box that won't be disturbed.Make sure your kitten is well cared for.It should have a towel to sleep on, food, water, and a place to go to the bathroom.
Step 13: Seek medical help.
The stray kitten should be taken to a vet in your area.The vet can perform all the necessary tests.It could get expensive so make sure you are prepared.Remember, this is very scary for the kitten, so be prepared to transport it to and from the vet as quietly as possible.You should make sure the vet checks for worms, distemper, and respiratory problems.Talking to the vet about having the kitten neutered is a good idea.
Step 14: An adoptive home can be found.
The kitten is cute, but you may not be able to properly care for it.Finding an adoptive home is the next best thing.If you have time to devote to this, you can check with your friends and family.Pictures can be hard to resist on social media.Contact your local animal shelter if you can't find a home on your own.They can help you find a safe place for the kitten.
Step 15: The kitten should be kept.
You've decided that the best home for the kitten is yours, because you can't resist that sweet little face.That's great!Be prepared to be the best pet parent you can be.You want to be emotionally prepared in addition to getting all of the necessities.It will take some time for a stray kitten to adjust.If you want to properly bond with the kitten, seek advice from the vet and the local shelter.In time, you'll have a new friend.