If you have a mama cat with a litter and you're trying to figure out when she can get fixed, you're asking exactly the right question at exactly the right time.

Finding a nest of tiny kittens tucked beneath a bush, inside a shed, or under your porch can be heartbreaking. Your first instinct may be to scoop them up and rush them to safety. But before you do, take a deep breath.

Understanding where orphaned kittens come from is one of the most important things you can learn if you want to help save them.