RSPCA warns would-be rescuers to leave kittens with mum

They may be cute and cuddly, but RSPCA WA warns there actually is such a thing as too many kittens.

A litter of six, dumped in a cardboard box outside a home in Kalgoorlie on Sunday, are the most recent in a flood of felines to come into their care.

Before them, it was two tiny babies abandoned at the RSPCA WA gates, a fluff ball freed from inside a brick wall, and a pair of sick, blind babies found behind a backyard shed.

Plus, there has been a deluge of kittens born to stray cats at the shelter.

Kitten season is in full swing, and over the coming months hundreds of seemingly abandoned litters will be handed into rescue groups across WA by well-meaning members of the public.

RSPCA WA is currently caring for more than 80 kittens – many of whom require round-the-clock care, including bottle feeding and toileting.

In light of this, the charity has issued a strong – and possibly surprising – message to would-be rescuers: Step away from the kittens.

RSPCA WA Executive Manager Animal and Enforcement Operations Hannah Dreaver said, while it was wonderful people wanted to help these animals, they could unwittingly be taking kittens away from their best possible caregiver during a crucial period.

“Despite popular belief, a cat will rarely – if ever – abandon her young,”Mr Dreaver said.

“If you stumble across a litter of kittens and mum isn’t around, the more likely scenario is that she is off hunting for food or hiding nearby.

“A mum’s care and milk are critical for development, so keeping healthy kittens with their mum is the best possible thing you can do for their welfare. By removing kittens, you could also be taking away an opportunity for rangers or RSPCA to humanely trap and desex mum to help break the breeding cycle.”

Ms Dreaver said some scenarios called for immediate rescue, such as if the kittens appeared sick, injured, very underweight, or in immediate danger, or if their mother had died.

“Your first step should always be to contact local rangers, RSPCA, or another reputable rescue so they can advise on the best way to bring the kittens, and mum if needed, into care,” she said.

“Please never try to care for kittens yourself. They require a high level of attention, including bottle feeding every few hours with a special formula.”

Laws in WA require cats over six months to be sterilised, microchipped and registered.

If you’re struggling to afford to have your pet desexed, reach out to your local council or RSPCA for advice.