Unplanned pregnancies happen in the best of families. When we take in a pregnant stray, or discover we weren’t as careful as we should have been, or just rescue without having the room, we can wind up with kittens who need good homes.

We just need to make sure they are good homes. Kittens think they are big cats, but we know they are not.

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They are utterly helpless to be anything but kittens; with all the reckless play and unintended mayhem that comes with them. People can’t help to be drawn to the adorableness, but they have to be aware of the responsibility they are taking on.

And I have to offer a note of caution about “free to good homes.” In this case, it’s not the people getting the kittens who have to be wary. It’s the people giving them away who need to be cautious.

I got James Bond through a pet store who found a cardboard box of kittens on their doorstop when they opened up one day. They put them in a cage near the register; and charged $25. Because they didn’t want people picking them up on a whim. It’s one way to sort out the impulse buyers from those who found these kittens to be what they were looking for.

Because we can’t encourage “bargain shoppers.” At the least, kittens need their essential immunizations and altering. If we worry about them getting lost, we’ll get them an ID chip. And then there’s the food, the grooming tools, the toys. “Free” kittens are never really free. And people should not treat them as such.

Even if our “free” kittens go to a home with good intentions, they should not be treated as disposable playthings. Getting an upfront commitment from the stranger wanting a kitten can be a conscience soothing way to know that these little ones will be valued from the first.

Many shelters have an “open door” policy for kittens. They know they are easy sells. They can get them altered so these kittens won’t contribute to the overpopulation problem. They have records to be able to follow up and offer support in the future.

It’s worth looking into having the shelter supervise and handle our kitten placements. We don’t always have enough friends to find homes for our rescued kittens. We don’t always have the resources to get the word out the same way the shelter does.

So if confronted with too much cuteness for our own home, call the shelter and see if they could help in this endeavor. That is what they are there for. Usually, they are glad to make sure these kittens get what they need.

It’s tough to say goodbye to the tiny faces. But if we can’t be sure they are getting a wonderful home, maybe it’s time to let someone else help out.

And while you are there, donate a few bucks to keep the shelter doors open. Too often, they are the only ones looking out for the kitties.

When we can’t.

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