Last night in Los Angeles, something wild happened. My friend and I were walking when we spotted a tiny tabby darting across the road with what looked like an injured leg. Before we had time to think, he vanished beneath a parked car — just inches from the tire.
What happened next? Pure instinct. We saved him. And in the chaos, I realized something: most people wouldn’t know what to do in that moment. So, here’s a guide based on real-life experience (with some added expert advice) on what to do if you find a stray or injured kitten — especially when shelters are closed for the night.
🐾 Step 1: Safety First — For Everyone
Before approaching the kitten, check your surroundings. Are you in traffic? Is the kitten cornered or panicked? Injured animals may bite or scratch out of fear.
Bring or grab:
- Gloves (like I did — essential if they’re dirty or covered in fleas)
- A towel, sweatshirt, or blanket to gently scoop them up
DO NOT:
- Grab them bare-handed unless it’s an emergency
- Chase them aggressively or yell — you’ll scare them off
🧼 Step 2: Immediate Triage (If They’re Covered in Fleas)
Our guy was infested. We gave him a bath right away with apple cider vinegar and Dawn dish soap — a safe combo in a pinch that smothers fleas without using toxic chemicals.
Quick Flea Bath Checklist:
- Use lukewarm water
- Mix a small amount of Dawn dish soap with water and a splash of apple cider vinegar
- Lather gently, avoiding eyes and ears
- Rinse thoroughly and towel dry
- Use a flea comb if available
Note: Don’t use essential oils, flea sprays, or topical meds on kittens under 8 weeks unless directed by a vet. Their systems are too fragile.
🏠 Step 3: Overnight Setup if Shelters Are Closed
Most rescues close by 5 or 6 PM. But kittens can’t wait.
What to set up:
- Warmth: Use a heating pad on low (wrapped in a towel), a hot water bottle, or even a warm sock from the dryer. Kittens can’t regulate their temperature.
- Containment: A clean box, crate, or laundry basket lined with towels works well.
- Litter: If they’re old enough (4+ weeks), offer a shallow tray with unscented litter or paper towels.
- Food: Age matters.
- Under 4 weeks: They need kitten formula (like KMR), not milk. Use a bottle or syringe.
- 4–8 weeks: You can try wet kitten food mixed with formula
- 8+ weeks: Small amounts of high-calorie wet kitten food
Can’t tell their age? Look at:
- Eyes & ears: If eyes are still blue and ears are folded, under 2 weeks
- Walking: Wobbly = under 3 weeks
- Teeth: If you see tiny teeth, they’re likely 4 weeks+
🩺 Step 4: Check for Immediate Red Flags
If you notice any of the following, try to get vet care ASAP:
- Bleeding or visible wounds
- Swollen limbs or severe limping
- Lethargy or unresponsiveness
- Labored breathing
Otherwise, keep them warm, hydrated, and quiet until morning.
📞 Step 5: Morning Plan — Contact Rescues or Vets
Once businesses open, reach out to:
- Local animal shelters or city services
- Emergency animal hospitals (they may connect you to fosters)
- Instagram rescue pages or Facebook rescue groups in your city
Be honest about your capacity. If you can’t foster the kitten, let them know — but don’t ghost. They may help you find someone who can.
💡 Bonus Tips
- Take photos right away (before/after if safe). Rescues and fosters will want details.
- Don’t give milk — it causes diarrhea.
- Keep them separated from other pets until they’re vet-checked.
- Be gentle — they’re scared, not ungrateful.
🐱 Final Thoughts
Rescuing a kitten isn’t always clean or easy — but it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do. Last night, our little tabby went from flea-ridden and frightened to clean, warm, and sleeping in a safe space.
We don’t know what will happen next — but he got a shot. And that’s what matters.
So if you ever find yourself pulling a kitten out from under a car, take a deep breath. Put on your gloves. And know that you’ve got this.