Abandoned Bobcat Kittens Find a Temporary Home at Saratoga Wildlife Care Center

Found alone and crying, four young bobcats now have a temporary home at the Wildlife Care Center in Saratoga.

The four bobcats were discovered miles apart, according to the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. Two came from Kern County after their mother “suffered an unfortunate fall,” one was found crying in Concord, and the last — underweight and burdened by parasites — was discovered in Carmel.

Ashley Kinney, the wildlife rehabilitation department manager at Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, said that the four of them coming in at once was perfect for the cats and would help them grow into all their natural behaviors.

When the bobcats first arrived at the care center, Kinney said, the priority was removing fleas and ticks, treating for parasites and feeding them a natural meat diet. She said staff generally maintain a hands-off approach to make sure the cats stay “fully wild.”

“They have a large enclosure where they’re conditioning, they’re building muscle, they’re learning how to pounce on things,” Kinney said.

“They’re very curious. We give them enrichment to keep their little bobcat brains going strong,” she said.

If you see abandoned kittens in your neighborhood, Kinney recommends calling your local wildlife facility, which will walk you through a few questions.

“We don’t want to over-rescue anything, so we always ask important questions: like how long has it been vocalizing? What are the circumstances? Have you seen mom?” Kinney said.

The four kittens will be released back into the wild in October, according to the shelter.

Until then, they will spend their days among the trees, developing their bobcat skills.

KQED’s Rachael Myrow contributed to this story.