It’s definitely that time of year when all creatures big and small are having babies. It is bound to happen each summer that one of your children will come home with a found baby animal in tow. The first words out of their mouths will most likely be, Can we keep them? But what is the proper thing to do when this happens?
For Kittens
Too often, cats are let outdoors to fend for themselves when people move or pass away, and they end up on the streets. They may already be fixed, but there are almost always a few that are not, or there may be a community of outdoor cats that live near you. When your child spots a kitten or brings one home, it’s important to do a little recon to make sure it’s truly an orphan.
If you’re near the location of where the baby was found, you can place them back there and wait for their mother to return. She may just be getting food and will return to keep caring for the babies. If the kitten seems to be in rough shape or the mom doesn’t return, it may be worth holding onto the kitten and seeking help. Just remember that taking care of young animals is a hard task, as they require around-the-clock care just as human babies do! And most animal shelters may not be able to take on the care either.
Wild Animals
If you or your child come across a wild animal, it’s also important to note where it was found. The same rules apply as with a domestic animal like a cat or dog. You will want to wait it out and see if the mother comes back to take care of them. They oftentimes will leave babies in a relatively secure location while they seek out food and water. The mothers will typically be gone for a few hours minimum, and may not return until dusk (or may be leaving at dusk).
It’s never ideal taking away a wild animal from it’s den or location, but sometimes it happens, especially if your child saw them and thought they needed rescuing. Trying to take care of a wild animal and raising it is never a safe or smart decision. These animals belong outdoors and even though they are cute, they deserve to be safe. Your best options are trying to find either an individual or rescue organization that specializes in wildlife rehab. Make sure they are reputable and that they will do the work to rehab the animals and then re-release them once they are grown.
Katie Kyzivat