For the Public

How to Become a Member: 

Be a part of the Illini Kitten Club, the new foster-based, student-run club that is all about the health, care, and compassion towards neonatal and pediatric kittens and pregnant cats.

Found a Kitten? Here’s What to Do:
It can be both exciting and nerve-wracking to discover a tiny kitten outdoors. Before scooping them up, take a moment to assess the situation. Many kittens who appear alone actually have a mother nearby, she may be hunting or watching from a distance. If the kitten is clean, quiet, and warm, it’s often best to wait and watch for Mom to return. However, if the kitten seems cold, injured, or in immediate danger, it may need help right away. Visit our “What to do if you found a kitten” guide for step-by-step instructions on how to evaluate the situation, keep the kitten safe, and connect with local rescues or veterinary resources.

How to Tell a Kitten’s Age:
Kittens grow and change rapidly during their first few weeks of life. Knowing their approximate age helps determine what kind of care, feeding, and medical attention they need. In this section, you’ll find photos and descriptions to help you identify key developmental stages, from newborns (eyes closed, umbilical cord attached) to adventurous eight-week-olds ready for adoption. You’ll also learn about bottle-feeding schedules, weaning milestones, and what behaviors to expect at each stage.

Helpful Resources and Guides:
We’ve gathered trusted educational materials and links to help you learn more about kitten care, community cat programs, and how to get involved in animal welfare. You’ll find recommendations for kitten fostering manuals, local veterinary resources, and reputable organizations that support neonatal kittens and their caregivers.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Not sure if a kitten is too young to eat on its own? Wondering when it needs vaccinations or deworming? Curious about how to safely introduce kittens to people or other pets? Our FAQ section covers the most common questions we receive, with clear, evidence-based answers from veterinary students and faculty mentors who specialize in feline care.

Support Our Mission:
Every life we help starts with someone who cares, like you. The Illini Kitten Club is a student-led organization dedicated to improving the welfare of neonatal kittens through education, outreach, and hands-on veterinary experience. Donations directly support our efforts to provide supplies for orphaned kittens, host educational lectures, and train future veterinarians in compassionate feline care.

If you’ve learned something helpful here or want to make a difference for kittens in need, please consider making a donation. Every bottle, blanket, and drop of formula helps save lives.

Together, we can give every kitten a purrfect start.

Thank you for being part of our mission, whether you’re rescuing, learning, or simply caring enough to click. The Illini Kitten Club believes that compassion is contagious, and by working together, we can ensure every kitten grows up healthy, loved, and safe.