It’s Kitten Season! How Can You Help?
If you see young kittens living outside, please contact Beltsville Community Cats (BCC) immediately. If you see a newborn kitten, it is very important to keep it warm. Create a warm nest as described below while you wait for a response from BCC.
· If the kitten is wet, dry it using an absorbent towel and/or a hair dryer, set on low. Keep your hand between the warm air and the kitten, rubbing the kitten continuously. If the kitten is dry, create a warm nest as directed below.
· Place the dry kitten in a small box lined with a towel or flannel. Put another towel or flannel over the baby. Put a heating pad set on low under 2/3 of the box, leaving 1/3 off the heating pad. This provides a cooler place to crawl to if the kitten gets too hot. If no heating pad is available, fill a plastic bottle with hot water. Wrap it in a towel and place it next to baby. Or, pour a cup of dry white rice in a small sock, knot the end and microwave for about 30 seconds. Check to ensure it is a comfortable temperature and put it in the nest with the kitten. Check frequently. Reheat as needed.
· DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FEED A NEWBORN KITTEN! Never give a kitten milk. The most important thing is to keep the baby warm until a BCC volunteer can take over.
· Call (240-444-8353) or email BCC immediately at hello@beltsvillecats.net.
If you love kittens but aren’t ready to make the long-term commitment of adopting one, consider fostering for BCC. If you telecommute, this is your chance to have a furry friend in your workplace! We do prefer fosters who live in or near Beltsville. Visit https://www.beltsvillecats.net/rescue to apply to foster BCC kittens.