Tiny But Mighty: Kitten Lady's Guide to Saving the Most Vulnerable Felines

Kitten Lady is the super hero we didn’t know we needed. She is smart, strong-willed, and directly honest. Most importantly, while animal rescue requires an exceptionally thick skin, you can still feel the compassion that drives her shine through in story after story. There is no question after reading this guide why she is taking the animal advocacy world by storm, demolishing the glass ceilings of the inspirational speaking and community education fields. Tiny But Mighty is part text book, part comedy, part drama, and part self-help book. Hannah leads her reader on a purrfectly executed journey from what inspired her to start hiding kittens in her coat to how she began challenging industry standards that limited the scope of support offered to kittens under 8 weeks of age. She expertly coaches readers to find in their own hearts what drives them to get up in the morning, while emphasizing the importance of balance and self-care. Artfully sandwiched between sweet anecdotes of cats she rescued and adorable photos of kittens in construction paper regal-wear, are pro-tips, charts and tables filled with mission critical data that can help a panicked foster-parent save a crashing kitten in the middle of the night. You don’t even realize you’re in kitten kindergarten until after you’ve already been hypnotized by Andrew Martilla’s photography. If you’ve ever been caring for a litter of screaming neonates and ugly cried because you couldn’t get them to take a nipple, this book is for you. If you’ve never seen a kitten that small in real life but might want to give it a try, this book is for you. If you’re a little squeamish and not sure you can handle the emotional aspects of rescuing this vulnerable pocket panther population, this book is for you more than anyone else. It's the ultimate pep-talk you didn't know you needed. In typical Kitten Lady fashion, she presents an iron-clad case as to why you, reader, whoever you may be, can help. She recounts her experiences with real people she’s encountered on the road, highlighting those who stepped up when they never could have even imagined doing so. She turns tragedy into treasure for every desperate plea. She even celebrates animal shelters, uncovering why “no-kill” doesn’t mean what you think it does, and how supporting open admission shelters will get us on the fast track to actually reducing euthanasia around the world. While nearly every story has a happy ending, Hannah shares her own trials, experiments, mistakes and traumas so that we won’t have to. She aims to be at the forefront of kitten care, pulling the blinds back on the stigma that little bodies shouldn’t receive medical treatment because the risk is too high. Old school veterinary thought is a thing of the past, and Hannah is going to make darn sure of it. She gives feral felines a voice, reminding us that just because we don’t always see them, or they hiss and bite when we do, doesn’t mean they aren’t happy in their outdoor oasis and worthy of being protected. Every reference to a kitten is with “he” or “she” never “it” or “they”. She emphasizes how we can bypass historical judgements of what was previously considered acceptable, lead with compassion and redistribute resources to the places that need them most. She even talks about legislative and data driven challenges that can make it impossible to even report how badly our community shelters and street cats need our support. You will laugh and you will cry, often within the same sentence. Especially if you have the audio book. Hannah telling her own stories is unlike any other self-narrated audio book I’ve ever listened to, because you can tell she wrote every single word of it. She reads with care but it doesn’t sound scripted. She’s as silly as she is in her videos; every paragraph littered with puns (get it? littered?), but it’s said as if she just came up with it, right now in this moment. It’s genuine and pure, not a hint of irony or mass produced editing. You can hear the nostalgia in her voice as she recalls her adventures with Hank, Badger, Chloe and so many more of her famously rescued babies. When she’s sad or discouraged you can feel it, but it’s empowering. It quickly turns to outrage with a specific call to action. Hannah can be a very convincing sales person, and she will have you at the bottom of a kitten pile in no time. There is only one piece of critical constructive criticism for this audiobook, and it’s that it doesn’t include a discography of Hannah’s greatest original hits like the “No Balls” song and the “Kitten Lady rap compilation”. If you haven’t heard them, stop what you’re doing and go to YouTube post haste. TLDR: this book is witty, fun, thought provoking and educational. Supporting local animal shelters and TNR is good, not downloading would be regretful. If you’re smart, you will buy a copy of this book in three formats - one audio version to hear the heart in it, one searchable download for your phone in an emergency, and one hardcover copy to sit on your coffee table for perusing kitten photos while you snuggle your own furry family. Listen up to save some babies!

This is, hands down, the best book on caring for kittens in existence. It is, in fact, the only book written at a professional level that I have come across on the subject. This is particularly astonishing in an era in which tens of thousands of books are published each year, many on oddly niche subjects (banana recipes! crocheting hyperbolic geometries! facts about cucumbers! knitting with dog hair!). We have an entire genre of books on adorable cat memes but there was, until now, nothing comprehensive on how to rescue and care for wee kittens, nor on how to prevent kitten suffering through TNR. Needless to say, this book steps in to fill a void and will save many lives. (NB: I did not receive anything in return for this review, nor was I asked to write it. I am a completely independent reader.) What you'll find inside: a comprehensive look at the first weeks of a kitten's life, with an excellent and thorough chronological overview of their developmental stages and how to recognize them, as well as information on how the care you need to provide for them changes over time, including really detailed information on the way in which feeding, health support, climate control, socialization, and other supportive care shifts and transforms practically day-by-day, and according to the circumstances and condition that the kittens were in prior to entering your home. If you've just found a shivering kitten under a [fill in sub-optimal, outdoor situation here], this book will tell you exactly how to proceed. The kitten health information summarized in the book is terrific and an excellent example of what makes Tiny But Mighty so important: there is simply nowhere else to go to find it all in one place. The author's overview and discussion of kitten illnesses is particularly valuable: she lists the most common afflictions, their causes, symptoms, &c, and gives you a good sense for prognosis and the best ways to proceed. The poop color wheel mentioned by another reviewer is practical, not to mention reminiscent of Renaissance medical practitioners' urine color wheels (I digress). Ms. Shaw does an excellent job of presenting and explaining concepts to the reader. The case study narratives that are woven throughout the book are not only engaging but edifying: they often convey information that can't be captured in a list of facts. That said, many times a well-organized, easy-to-reference set of facts is *exactly* what one needs, and Tiny But Mighty is full of well-thought-out and organized tables and lists that would have been more difficult to digest from a wall of text alone. The narrative, case study, & table/list combination format is effective and mutually complementary. Another strength is the book's superb photography. The photos are not mere eye-candy: many convey visual information that can't be communicated as well through words alone. It would be great if all of the photographs had captions, however. Only some do, and I was often left wondering if the photograph in question (and its feline subject(s)) corresponded to the text on that particular page. My main wish for a second edition of the book is for a more developed section on Kitten Fading Syndrome. As Ms. Shaw points out, this is a catch-all term for a number of things, or combinations of things, that can cause a kitten's health to quickly spiral downward, and she rightly suggests getting the kitten to a vet as soon as possible. Yet in my own experience, as well as the author's own, many vets just don't know what to do with a sick kitten! The photograph accompanying my review is of a kitten from our second foster litter who had KFS. When she didn't gain weight we rushed her to a vet, whose only suggestion was to try to make her food more palatable by trying a different brand of formula, or by trying to hand-feed her wet food. (The kitten did make it and was happily adopted, despite our blundering efforts!) It would be really great to have a red-tabbed section that a panicked fosterer could turn to for an overview of the factors that *in the author's experience* most frequently contribute to KFS situations and how to respond to them. This would be a supplement to a visit to the vet, not a replacement for the same, but it would go a long way toward answering pressing questions ("What could be happening? What should I look for and what might these signs tell me? What can I do immediately to try to improve the kitten's chances of survival? What questions or ideas can I raise with my vet if she/he is stymied?"). Information directly relevant to these questions is of course woven throughout the book; it would be great to have it in one place, however, for the KFS kitten. This could even just consist of a bit more discussion, or the addition of another excellent table, with references to relevant sections or page numbers. Two other small wish list items: it would be really helpful to know more about how to treat a kitten with severe anemia, since so many of them are flea-infested, and I would love to see really important information on pages of denser exposition printed in bolded font (for example, the sentence in which the author introduces the importance of heating up cold kittens deserves bolded emphasis). These, however, are minor suggestions for a terrific first edition of a book that is certain to become a feline classic. Bravo. Highly recommend.

This is an awesome book! Whether you foster kittens, just found your first tiny kitten(s) and don't know how to care for them, are interested in animal welfare, or just plain love kittens this book is for you! Hannah Shaw is a pioneer in the care, education, and welfare of young kittens, which I know because I follow her on Facebook, IG, and YouTube. (If you don't, you totally should, each one is jam packed with both information and cuteness!) She has over a decade of experience caring for young kittens and in this book she shares her stories, experiences, and the information she has gathered in that time in a way that is both easy to absorb and makes the reader feel like she's engaging them in conversation. This book is funny, sweet, informative, well written, and I would recommend it to everyone. My personal experience and how I found Hannah Shaw, a.k.a The Kitten Lady, is another reason why everyone who cares about animals should read this book because something similar could happen to anyone and may have already happened to you. One May evening my husband and I heard tiny mews as we were watching TV. No stranger to the fact that mom cats wander off in search of food, water, or to do their business we waited. After a few hours of ceaseless kitten cries we figured out that it was coming from in our wall, of all places. Luckily there was a little vent looking thing directly over where she was and about 10 minutes later, after shoving my whole arm in the wall and coaxing her into my hand I emerged triumphant! I found myself holding a very cold, very tiny kitten whose eyes were only just starting to open. In a matter of minutes the feeling of triumph gave way to the realization that this was the tiniest kitten I had ever seen, she fit in one hand easily, and I had no idea how to care for her. . . but The Kitten Lady did! It wasn't the easiest journey, but every question I had, every problem I ran into, Hannah had the answer and now that tiny 8 day old kitten is a happy, healthy girl who is thriving in my multicat household. Because of Hannah she got to live and grow into the sweetest girl who loves everyone and because of finding her the whole course of my life changed and I get to save kittens too. All the information I had to binge watch YouTube and scour her website for in between feedings is in this book and everyone should read it because any of us could find an orphaned kitten or litter tomorrow, and even if you don't you'll still enjoy this book and see tons of adorable pictures of kittens along the way!

Very informative! A-Z care.

This book is both an enjoyable read for cat-lovers and a practical resource for cat-rescuers. The author, Hannah Shaw, has established herself as Kitten Lady on social media and in her educational work. Her popular videos show both the reality of rescue work and the entertaining side of life with kittens. The book can be read from cover to cover, as I did. I recommend doing this when you first get the book. But it can also be dipped into later for information when required, and the charming stories of individual kittens can be read without context. The chapters focus on various aspects of kitten rescue, its importance, its practical aspects from trapping to adoption, kitten development and health, and, importantly, caring for the rescuer to prevent compassion fatigue. I can only disagree with the author on one point. She repeats the often quoted idea that feral kittens can't be socialized after they reach 12 weeks old. However, viewers of the TinyKittens webcam in Canada have witnessed the socialization of many older feral kittens and adult feral cats. It can be done, depending on the cat's personality and experience with humans, and the provision of the right sort of interactions. The book is also full of delightful kitten photographs taken by the author and her photographer partner, Andrew Marttila. This is why I bought the physical book rather than an ebook. Hannah's voice shines throughout the writing, with compassion, humour, and advice based on experience. While the book teaches, it never feels dry or didactic, and it provides inspiration for cat people to become involved in rescue in whatever way is most appropriate for them. As she says: "This book is an invitation for readers to join me on this journey and to add their own pieces to the puzzle... My hope is that you will see yourself in these pages, and feel supported in your own rescue journey... Movements are made up of individuals, and our small individual actions have the power to change everything" (pp. 6-7). I highly recommend this book to anyone actively involved in rescue, to anyone who loves cats and kittens, and to those wishing to see what compassion and positive action looks like.

This is DEFINITELY the book you want if you are a kitten rescuer or foster! Would HIGHLY recommend. I've read several on kitten care and this is by far the most thorough. Covers literally EVERYTHING you need to know.

this is the long-needed "bible" and perfect textbook of tiny kitten care, and more. edition one. it is so good, so well-organized, researched and written, it's now the mainstay and required-reading resource for the world on the subject of tiny kitten care, rescue, fostering, problem-solving, and problem prevention. this watershed volume on a previously overlooked subject, is the only solid standard source text on its subject. as such, it is destined to not only be the prime reference for the wonderful work of tiny kitten care, it is already the foundation on which best practices will be presented as they evolve in the years and decades ahead. i expect this text will be long-regarded as the "bible" on its subject and will have many future editions over the next century, that keep it alive as the go-to essential. hannah and her friends, supporters, subscribers, cats and kittens, have already done so much. and with this book, they do even more. i'm awestruck and grateful. it's also a beautiful book for anyone to add to their library or gift to others for any reason -- richly illustrated with gorgeous photographs, and absolutely charming in every regard, for people who may care for tiny kittens, and equally for those who simply appreciate a gorgeous book full of wonderful stories and images. an absolute delight! and super-solid as a manual for being the best you can be in manifesting compassion in action toward our feline cohabitants on this earth.

This book is hands-down the best resource on saving neonatal kittens ever written. We all love kittens and we all know this book is to help others to save their lives. It also contains amazing and adorable pictures and the Kitten Lady's compassionate view of overextended shelters with no funds and her patience with people who don't understand. Each section contains heartwarming personal stories about kittens as examples. What you might not realize is that the Kitten Lady isn't just about saving neonatal kittens. She's also about preventing them in the first place, especially utilizing TNR (trap neuter return). TNR is a program in a lot of communities in the US to reduce the reproductive capabilities of our outdoor cat population by sterilization and then returning them to their outdoor home. Part of saving kittens is definitely preventing more from being born when most shelters and rescues can't handle the ones they have. A huge part of TNR is kitten rescue and adoption to get them safe, loving homes. This book explains the sad truth about feline overpopulation in a way that any cat lover will tear up. She explains preventing kittens before she explains kitten care. I applaud Hannah Shaw for understanding shelters and their workers don't want to euthanize cats and going out of her way to inform cat lovers this truth. I applaud Hannah Shaw for writing this excellent book and sharing kitten rescue, animal rescue and TNR to anyone that cares to learn. If you love cats, no matter what age they are, no matter if they're feral or tame, and you don't think you can make a difference, then pick up this book. Everyone can make a difference and this guide explains exactly how to save kittens. If you can't foster kittens? Join volunteers in TNR. This guide explains exactly how to do that! Just love cats? Read this guide and you will be motivated to volunteer in some way. I dare you to read this guide and NOT be motivated to help.

Lo he recibido hoy y ya voy por más de la mitad. Mi respeto por esta mujer es enorme, es increíble todo lo que ha hecho y sigue haciendo, y me ha inspirado a hacer lo mismo y ayudar a cuidar de aquellos más indefensos. Ya he comprado otro ejemplar para regalárselo a una amiga que también está interesada en cuidar gatitos. Lo explica todo con un cariño y una precisión increíbles, este libro desprende amor por cada pagina 💕

This has to be the most comprehensive Kitten Care Book available anywhere in the World!! I have purchased copies for myself & for everyone of my Kitten Fosterers! Hannah Shaw delivers all the necessary information to correctly Care for kittens from birth to weaning & beyond in a simple, practical easy to follow manner! Thank You Kitten Lady.

Libro acquistato di seconda mano arrivato puntuale e in ottime condizioni, come descritto. Questo libro è un must per tutti coloro che si interessano di gattini piccoli e piccolissimi e vogliono acquisire competenze per farlo in modo efficace. Hannah ci trascina col suo grande entusiasmo!

We're new kitten foster parents and this book and her YouTube channel @kittenlady is an amazing resource! We currently have a mama and kittens and were stressing out about it a bit, but after reading about efforts to save orphaned neonatal kittens I realize mama is doing everything for us and we have an easy situation. Truly its all amazing and I'm so glad to be a part of the cat and kitten fostering community. Thankful for rescues and rescuers like Hannah for all that they do so save kitty lives and help them until they are adoptable!

Not only is this a great book about little kitties and cats in their early life. It’s also nicely produced and has an absolutely exquisite feel to it.