I found a kitten or litter...

Click start to determine if a kitten or litter you found needs help!

Do the kittens appear ill/injured, or are they cold to the touch:

Yes

Immediately call us at 828-250-6430. If it is after hours, contact animal services dependent on your location: Asheville City: 828-252-1110 Buncombe County: 828-250-6670

Are they older than 2 months? Click here to see kitten ages: https://www.alleycat.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Kitten-Progression-FINAL.pdf

Yes

Are they friendly to humans?

Yes

Find them homes! At Asheville Humane Society, we know that friendly baby animals would much rather be playing in a loving home than in the shelter. We encourage you to use your network to find kittens a loving home. Resources on spay/neuter access and vaccinations are available on our website under Get Help -> Community Solutions, and you can find resources for finding homes for your kittens under the Rehome tab on our home page. Please text KITTENS to 828-220-5559 if you have further questions.

Once a kitten is older than 2 months, it can be difficult to socialize them to humans and ensure a fulfilling life as a pet cat. We recommend Trap-Neuter-Return-Monitor. You can find resources for Community Cat programs in Asheville here through the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance, Sister Kitten, Friends2Ferals, or Asheville Cat Weirdos.

Do you see a mother around?

Yes

Don't kit-nap! Kittens do best with mom. You can support mama's hard work by providing food, water, and shelter. In the coming weeks, prepare a rehoming (if friendly/social) or a trap-neuter-release (TNR) plan (if unsocial) for mom and her kittens. Be aware, kittens can start reproducing when they are only 4 months old! Text KITTENS to 828-220-5559 for assistance.

Sometimes mama cats leave for up to three hours to hunt for food. If it has been longer than three hours, these kittens need intervention. Text KITTENS to 828-220-5559 for resources and instructions for how to provide care. You can also find great resources through The Kitten Lady or on our website. If you are unable to provide care, check with neighbors and friends to see if they are willing or able. If you have exhausted community resources for healthy kitten care, please call the Asheville Humane Society Community Sheltering Center at (828) 250-6430. If you are unable to provide care, check with neighbors and friends to see if they are willing or able. If you have exhausted community resources for healthy kitten care, please call the Asheville Humane Society Community Sheltering Center at (828) 250-6430.