Wildlife Rescue
You found a stray or newborn kitten
Domestic cat (Felis catus), Macau's community and stray cats
Finding tiny kittens alone does not mean they are abandoned, because a mother cat often leaves her litter to hunt and returns within a few hours. Healthy, warm, sleeping kittens are usually best left for their mother, who gives far better care than any human can.
What to do
- Step back and watch from a distance, out of sight, for several hours to see whether the mother returns.
- Check whether the kittens look clean, warm, plump and quiet, which are signs their mother is caring for them.
- Only if they are cold, thin, crying non-stop, soiled or in danger, gather them into a box with a warm (not hot) towel.
- Keep them warm and quiet, since warmth comes first, before any thought of feeding.
- Do not give cow's milk, as it causes diarrhoea, and a genuine orphan needs proper kitten formula, so get advice first.
- Contact ANIMA or Royal Veterinary Centre for guidance on feeding, fostering and neutering.
What NOT to do
- ×Do not scoop up kittens the moment you see them, taking a litter from a nearby mother is a common mistake.
- ×Do not give cow's or plant milk, or force-feed a cold kitten.
- ×Do not move them far if the mother may return, and if you must, leave them close by and sheltered.
- ×Do not assume an adult cat with a clipped ear tip is a stray, it is most likely already neutered and living outdoors.
When to step in
Step in if the kittens are in immediate danger from traffic, drains, rain or dogs, are visibly sick or injured, or you have watched for around four to six hours and no mother has returned. Otherwise, leave them for her.
See a vet urgently if...
- !Cold to the touch, floppy, or crying constantly (a warm, quiet kitten is usually being fed)
- !Sunken eyes, crusty nose or eyes, fleas, or a swollen or empty belly
- !An obvious injury, or a kitten out in rain, sun or traffic
- !No mother seen after several hours of watching from a distance
Who to call
For strays, contact ANIMA (Society for the Protection of Animals in Macau) on +853 2871 5732, or IAM's animal service on (853) 2833 7676. Royal Veterinary Centre can advise on care and check a sick or injured kitten 24/7 at +853 6677 6611.
Legal note
Stray cats are domestic animals, not wildlife, and are covered by Macau's Animal Protection Law (Law No. 4/2016). The humane long-term answer is neutering through trap-neuter-return rather than keeping unplanned litters.
In Macau
Macau has many community cats around residential estates and back lanes, and local groups run trap-neuter-return, so an adult cat with a tipped (clipped) ear has already been neutered and should be left in its territory.
A mother cat routinely moves and leaves her kittens while she feeds herself, so a litter alone in a quiet corner far more often means mum is out hunting than that they were abandoned.
Related care sheets
General guidance reviewed by the Royal Veterinary Center team. Not a substitute for a veterinary examination. Always confirm species-specific and legal requirements for Macau.