As the warmer months approach, we start to see more and more kittens appearing in unexpected places. Whether they’re in your garden, at school, or under the house, these kittens might not be lost or stray. Often, a mother cat chooses a safer environment away from her usual surroundings to raise her young.

Last year, we saw this firsthand when a mother cat carried her six newborn kittens into a garage and placed them in full view of the household. She knew it was safer than her previous environment. We took the family into care, ensuring they had proper nutrition and warmth. Sadly, the owner never came forward, and this mother cat’s needs had clearly gone unmet. However, we were able to give her and her kittens a better future—one that started with desexing and safe adoption processes.  

This story isn’t unique. The reality is, over the warmer months, kittens will continue to be born, and many will be found by well-meaning families. But it’s crucial that children (and adults) understand the importance of not taking them home without their mother. Here’s where you can guide them.

Important Lessons for Kids:

• If you find kittens, don’t take them away from their mother. Call for advice before intervening.
• Kittens need their mum for at least 7-8 weeks to learn important social skills and build immunity.
• Vet care is essential. Any found kittens need a proper vet check before they can be considered for adoption.
• You don’t own them just because you found them. The goal is to ensure their safety and find them the right people to facilitate permanent, responsible homes after desexing. Those people are a vet, us, gaws or another registered animal rescue organisation or rescuer. 

We encourage you to discuss this with your children. By teaching them to prioritise the welfare of animals, you’re not just caring for a pet—you’re fostering a compassionate and responsible future generation. And if you’re considering adopting, remember that the commitment is for life, not just for the kitten stage.

If your child is keen to adopt a kitten they’ve found, explain the process. Let them see the importance of responsible pet ownership and, if needed, have a “sacrifice for pets” trial week. We are buying flea treatments for the cats. We cannot have a takeaway meal. What would the response be?  Or we have to take the cat to the vet, so the movies are out this week guys, Puss needs her dental done so the holiday is now a weekend away but our cat will be ok!  Show them how it works and let them “feel” the responsibility of pet ownership early. It is a huge commitment and who better to see our pets through?  Our kids.   

This simple conversation not only helps kids understand the big picture, but it also contributes to reducing overpopulation and unnecessary suffering. Let’s guide the next generation with the lessons that will make a difference—for our pets and our community.