Provide care in your home until they are 8 weeks old. If mom has truly not returned after several hours, newborn kittens will require human intervention and round-the-clock care, including bottle-feeding and more.
At the Hawaiian Humane Society, we understand that finding kittens can be both exciting and overwhelming. We offer two supportive options for community members who discover kittens in need: Kitten Kits and our Finder Foster program.
Kitten Kits
Free supplies to help you care for found kittens independently
When you find kittens and want to care for them entirely on your own, our Kitten Kits serve as a starter kit to help you get started. By choosing this option:
- You maintain full ownership of the kittens
- You handle all aspects of their care and future placement
- You receive a free Kitten Kit to support their healthy development, including supplies based on their age
Hawaiian Humane Neonate Kitten Kits include:
- 12oz can of KMR (Kitten Formula)
- Nursing bottle, extra nipples & a bottle brush
- 2-3cc oral syringes (for syringe feeding neonates)
- 2-Miracle Nipples (a special attachment)
- 2-cans of wet kitten food
- Cardboard carrier (for transport)
- Hand Warmers and Hand Towel (to keep them cozy)
- Training Resource: Orphan Kittens Booklet, Kitten Care and FAQ Video / What’s Next Handout
- Home to Home Brochure
Hawaiian Humane Weaned Kitten Kits include:
- Pet Taxi (as needed)
- 3 cans of wet food per kitten
- 1 sandwich size bag of kitten dry food
- 1 litter box
- 1 gallon size bag of litter pellets
- 2 toys
- Training Resources: Kitten Care and FAQ Video / What’s Next Handout
- Home to Home Brochure
Our Kitten Kits are designed to empower you to provide compassionate care outside the shelter system.
Pick up locations for Kitten Kits:
Hawaiian Humane Society Mōʻiliʻili Campus – Dr. Norman & Kazue Ueda and Peppy Pet Kōkua Center (Admissions)
Daily, 11 am – 6 pm
Hawaiian Humane Society Kosasa Family Campus at Hoʻopili – Ginny Tiu Pet Kōkua Resource Center (Admissions)
Wednesday – Sunday, 11 am – 6 pm
Hawaiian Humane Society Field Service Officers and Animal Protection Officers on the road, islandwide
Finder Foster Program
Support for those who need additional guidance
If you’ve found healthy kittens under 8 weeks old but need extra support with their care, our Finder Foster program may be the right option. Here’s how it works:
- Kittens are surrendered to Hawaiian Humane’s ownership
- You can typically take them home that same day
- Our Foster Care & Veterinary Services teams provide direction and support
- We provide all medical care and necessary supplies (food, toys, snuggle safes, etc.)
Eligibility Process:
- Kittens must be under 8 weeks old and assessed by our Admissions Department
- Staff determines if they qualify for the Finder Foster program
- If needed, kittens may receive further medical examination to determine appropriate next steps
By participating in our Finder Foster program, you’re giving vulnerable kittens the specialized care they need while freeing up valuable shelter space for other animals.
Choosing What’s Right for You
We encourage community members to consider caring for found kittens independently with our Kitten Kits whenever possible, as this helps more animals stay out of the shelter system. However, we understand that additional support is sometimes needed, which is why we offer the Finder Foster option for those situations.
Other great resources to understand how to feed orphaned kittens:
- Kitten Lady
