Unexpected Litters
Unexpected litters can happen, and finding safe, responsible homes for every kitten can feel overwhelming. NAPS is here to provide guidance and encourages pet owners who are able to do so to take an active role in finding loving, appropriate homes for their kittens.
Caring for a litter until adoption requires significant resources, including veterinary care, vaccinations, deworming, spay/neuter procedures, food, housing and daily care. By safely rehoming kittens yourself when possible, you help ensure NAPS has the space and resources available for cats and kittens who have nowhere else to go.
Need help with an unexpected litter? NAPS may be able to provide guidance, assist with sharing your kittens for adoption, or consider intake depending on the circumstances and available shelter space. Each situation is assessed individually.
Choosing the Right Homes
Don't be afraid to ask potential adopters questions. A good home should be prepared to provide proper nutrition, safe housing, routine veterinary care and a lifelong commitment to their new cat.
An appropriate adoption fee can also help discourage impulsive adoptions while helping recover some of the veterinary expenses you've incurred.
Talk openly with adopters about the importance of having their kitten spayed or neutered at the appropriate age. Responsible spaying and neutering helps prevent future unwanted litters and reduces the number of homeless and stray cats in our communities.
When a Litter Needs More Help
We understand that sometimes caring for or rehoming a litter yourself simply isn't possible. In certain circumstances, NAPS may be able to accept a litter into our care.
Every situation is reviewed individually by our Shelter Manager. Intake decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and depend on factors such as the kittens' needs, available shelter or foster space, and our current resources.
If you're struggling with a litter, please reach out. We would much rather have a conversation about your situation and the options that may be available than see kittens left without appropriate care.
Before Rehoming
Kittens should remain with their mother and littermates until they are developmentally ready to leave. As a general rule, kittens should not be rehomed before 8 weeks of age. Speak with your veterinarian if you're unsure when your kittens are ready.
Before adoption, arrange for an appropriate veterinary examination, vaccinations and deworming based on your veterinarian's recommendations.
When the kittens are ready, you can begin looking for responsible homes through trusted friends and family, community networks, social media and reputable rehoming resources.
Don't Forget Mom!
Once the kittens have been weaned and your veterinarian determines it is appropriate, arrange to have the mother spayed. Cats can become pregnant again surprisingly quickly, so it's important to discuss the appropriate timing with your veterinarian.
We May Be Able to Help You Find Homes
In some circumstances, NAPS may be able to help you reach potential adopters by sharing a clear photo of your litter, along with your contact information, on our Facebook page.
If you would like us to consider sharing your litter, please send us a private message through Facebook or contact us by email with your request and information about the kittens.