Roanoke Rescue Trains Volunteers to Save Newborn Kittens

Ordinary people in Roanoke are learning extraordinary skills to save lives smaller than your palm.

H.E.A.R.T. Rescue is calling for volunteers to foster newborn kittens during peak kitten season. These tiny felines, often orphaned or abandoned, need specialized care that includes bottle feeding, temperature monitoring, and constant attention.

The best part? You don't need any experience to start.

"Neonatal kitten care can seem intimidating at first, but with proper training and support, ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference," says Amy Spence, founder and operations director. The rescue provides complete training, guidance, and all the resources volunteers need to succeed.

H.E.A.R.T. Rescue operates without a physical shelter, relying entirely on foster volunteers to care for the region's most vulnerable kittens. The organization partners with local shelters and rescue groups throughout the area, taking in kittens with severe health issues that require specialized attention.

Sunny's Take

There's something powerful about watching everyday community members step up for the smallest lives. These volunteers aren't professional veterinarians or trained animal specialists. They're neighbors, friends, and local residents who decided that even the tiniest kitten deserves a fighting chance at survival and a loving home.

The work is demanding. Newborn kittens need feeding every few hours, careful temperature regulation, and weight monitoring. But H.E.A.R.T. Rescue makes sure no volunteer goes it alone, providing the support system that turns intimidating responsibility into achievable care.

Interested volunteers can reach H.E.A.R.T. Rescue at 540-404-5181 or HeartKittyRescue@gmail.com. The organization is also active on Facebook and Instagram for those who want to follow along with rescue stories.

Kitten season is here, and Roanoke's tiniest patients are waiting for their chance at life.