If you found a litter of underage kittens (under 8 weeks old AND under 1.75 pounds) and are able to care for them until they are ready for adoption the Sacramento SPCA may be able to provide you with assistance through our Foster Deferment Program.

Services Provided through the Foster Deferment Program

• FVRCP Vaccinations
• Dewormer for internal parasites
• Flea medication
• Spay/Neuter (once kittens are 8 weeks old and 2lbs)
• Staff support for health and behavior
• Adoption through the Sacramento SPCA once spayed/neutered

Services NOT Provided through the Foster Deferment Program

• Emergency medical care or extensive medical care for illness/injury
• Enrollment for the mother cat (if applicable – see notes below for additional info)
• Boarding/Housing for vacations, etc
• Supplies (including food and litter)

While the kittens are enrolled in the foster deferment program you will be considered their legal owner and be responsible for their day-to-day care.

Once the kittens are 8 weeks old and 2 pounds you will be required to surrender them to the Sacramento SPCA to be spayed/neutered and to go up for adoption through the shelter (failure to surrender the kittens will result in disqualification from the program and spay/neuter will not be provided).

If the kitten(s) requires emergency or extensive medical care you will be responsible for seeking medical treatment on your own. 

If you are in possession of the mother cat, we are able to spay her for you but we cannot take her into our care for adoption at the end of the foster deferment period. Options for the mother cat include:

• Returning her to where she was found after spay (we will provide an ear tip in this situation). 
• Rehoming her on your own. 
• Scheduling a surrender appointment through our intake department (surrender fees apply).

If you or someone you know would like to adopt a kitten all adoption fees will apply.

The foster deferment program is limited to a set number of enrollments per month. If we have reached the maximum number of enrollments for the month we will not be able to accept the kittens into the program. Kittens must also be under 8 weeks old and 1.75 pounds. Kittens outside of this age/weight range are not qualified for the program. If we are unable to accept the kittens in the foster deferment program our staff can advise you on what your options are and which shelter you can take the kittens to based off of what jurisdiction the kittens were found. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Foster Deferment Program or would like to schedule an appointment please email CatFosterRescue@sspca.org.