Outdoor Kittens
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Not all kittens need help. In fact, most don't. The best place for kittens is with their mother. Before you scoop up outdoor kittens, it is important to determine if they are truly orphans or if mom is hiding, getting food, or in the process of moving her litter.
Mom cats leave their kittens for extended periods of time. Moms also move their litters 2-3 times before they a weaned and can only carry one kitten at a time. If you find one or two kittens, mom is likely in the process of moving the family and on her way back for the others. Mom will return. Leave food and water out for mom. Please, leave the kittens unless they appear clearly injured or ill.
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Create a plan with a clinic to get mom spayed. Return when the kittens are 7-8 weeks for their first deworming and booster vaccination. Plan ahead their appointments for 12 weeks of age. (They can be TNR'd also! )
What If I Touched the Kittens?
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Minimize handling of found kittens so as not to cause unnecessary stress. However, if you have handled the kittens, simply put the kittens back. Don't worry - mom cat will still recognize the kittens are her babies and care for them!
Respect the Mother Cat's Good Care
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Scooping up kittens and taking them away from the mother's care to foster, rescue or shelter is not in the best interest of the kittens. Observe the kittens from a distance over a few hours (and often after dark) to see if mom returns.