If the litter appears to be in a safe, dry and warm place away from foot traffic, it’s best to initially leave them to allow their mother to raise them until they are about 4 or 5 weeks old (or if it's possible and safe, bring in the mother and her litter). If you cannot see a mother cat around, please wait for two hours to see if she returns.

If there is only one kitten, wait to see if the mother is nearby. It is rare for a single kitten to be born alone so there’s a possibility the mother is in the process of moving them individually to a safer place.

If you have just now discovered the litter, please wait for two hours in case the mother returns. Do not stay too close to the litter as this may deter her from returning. 

If the mother has not returned, please bring the litter of kittens to RSPCA ACT, 12 Kirkpatrick St, Weston during business hours.

Our team will want to try and establish an approximate age of the litter. To help us with this, please observe whether the kittens’ eyes are open and if they are wiggling and moving around. Are they walking on all four paws? Are they crying or sleeping?

If they are neo natal (newborns) and sleeping peacefully, it is likely they are not hungry and therefore have been fed by their mother recently.

If you can safely touch the kittens without disturbing them or their mother, please try to observe whether the kittens feel skinny or not. Are they cold, or warm to touch?