Four kittens left in a mesh tunnel during a storm now all have homes in New Jersey

A rescue in Asbury Park ended with a much happier result than it began. Four kittens that were left outside in a mesh tunnel during heavy rain were taken to safety, treated at a shelter, and have now all been adopted.

The kittens were found after someone placed them in a mesh tunnel and abandoned them outdoors during severe weather, according to the Monmouth County SPCA. The group said the animals were soaked, cold, covered in fleas, and appeared confused by what was happening.

Police in Asbury Park and the local Animal Control Team went to the scene and safely removed the kittens. They were then taken to the Monmouth County shelter, where they were examined and given care.

The case quickly shifted from rescue to accountability. The Monmouth County SPCA said the person believed responsible for leaving the kittens outside was identified soon after, and that charges will follow.

The story also ended with all four kittens finding permanent homes. After arriving at the shelter and receiving treatment, each of the cats was adopted.

For cat lovers, the details are hard to ignore. The animals were not simply found outside, but discovered in a mesh tunnel in pouring rain, in conditions the SPCA described as severe. By the time responders reached them, the kittens were dealing with more than bad weather alone. They also had fleas and needed immediate attention.

What began as an abandonment case in the rain has now turned into a full set of fresh starts for all four cats.

What to do if you find kittens

Very young kittens can chill quickly when they are wet or exposed to wind, so warmth comes first. Move them to a dry, quiet box or carrier lined with towels. If they feel cold, warm them gradually with a wrapped heat source placed under only part of the bedding so they can move away if needed.

Before offering food, check whether a mother cat may be nearby. Nursing mothers often leave briefly to hunt or hide from people. If the kittens are clean, quiet, and tucked together, watch from a distance first if conditions are safe. If they are soaked, crying constantly, injured, or in immediate danger, contact a shelter, rescue, or veterinary clinic as soon as possible.

Why young kittens usually need foster care

Kittens that are not yet weaned need frequent feeding, help staying warm, and careful cleaning because they cannot manage basic needs on their own. Older kittens still benefit from foster homes because regular handling helps them get used to people, household sounds, and litter training.

A foster home also lets caregivers watch for dehydration, eye infections, breathing trouble, fleas, and stomach upset, which can worsen quickly in small kittens. Anyone interested in helping does not always need to adopt permanently. Many groups need short term fosters, transport volunteers, and people who can donate supplies such as kitten formula, blankets, litter, and carriers.

How kittens usually move into homes

Once kittens are eating well, gaining strength, and comfortable with handling, they are usually matched with adopters. Good adopters ask about age, diet, play needs, safe rooms for settling in, and plans for veterinary care.

For anyone adopting, it helps to prepare one small room at first with food, water, a litter tray, a bed, and hiding spots. Keep cords, toxic plants, and small chewable objects out of reach. Kittens often do best with patience, routine, and plenty of supervised play.