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Md. woman takes care of the littlest kittens

Kate Ryan | kryan@wtop.com

May 6, 2017, 3:12 AM

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January 17, 2026 | Kitten Lady (Kate Ryan)

WASHINGTON — Hannah Shaw began helping neonatal kittens when she found one herself eight years ago.

Since establishing “Kitten Lady,” a website and organization dedicated to rescuing neonatal — the youngest kittens that are less than 8 weeks old — the Mt. Rainier, Maryland, resident figures she’s taken in somewhere between 400 and 500 kittens.

Sleepy Udon is sharing Shaw's lap with Munay Michi, a kitten Shaw found at Manchu Picchu in Peru and brought to D.C., where she's awaiting adoption. The rescues happen, even on vacation. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
Sleepy Udon is sharing Hannah Shaw’s lap with Munay Michi, a kitten Shaw found at Machu Picchu in Peru and brought to D.C., where she’s awaiting adoption. The rescues happen, even on vacation. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
WTOP/Kate Ryan
Every kitten has its own distinct personality, said Shaw. Soba, for instance, had a rougher start. She was a bit weaker than her litter mates, but has thrived under Shaw's care. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
Every kitten has its own distinct personality, said Hannah Shaw. Soba, for instance, had a rougher start. She was a bit weaker than her litter mates, but has thrived under Shaw’s care. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
WTOP/Kate Ryan
Anyone can foster kittens, Shaw said. On her website, KittenLady.org, she gives tips on everything from supplies fosters will need to how-to's on feeding and care of the tiniest felines. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
Anyone can foster kittens, Hannah Shaw said. On her website, KittenLady.org, she gives tips on everything from supplies fosters will need to how-to’s on feeding and care of the tiniest felines. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
WTOP/Kate Ryan
"This is my life's mission — round the clock this is what I do," said Shaw, who added that when she found her first abandoned kitten eight years ago, she didn't know where to turn. She now works full time rescuing kittens and in humane education. "I try to be the resource that I wish I had when I was first learning," she said. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
“This is my life’s mission — round the clock this is what I do,” said Hannah Shaw, who added that when she found her first abandoned kitten eight years ago, she didn’t know where to turn. She now works full time rescuing kittens and in humane education. “I try to be the resource that I wish I had when I was first learning,” she said. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
WTOP/Kate Ryan
"A lot of what I learned you learn through trial and error, but we also have a really great community, especially here in D.C.," said Shaw. She takes in kittens who may weigh just a few ounces and gives them intensive, round-the-clock care until they are old enough to be spayed and adopted. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
“A lot of what I learned you learn through trial and error, but we also have a really great community, especially here in D.C.,” said Hannah Shaw. She takes in kittens who may weigh just a few ounces and gives them intensive, round-the-clock care until they are old enough to be spayed and adopted. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
WTOP/Kate Ryan
"Most people get into kitten rescue by accident" said Shaw. That's what happened to her. She found a tiny, abandoned kitten eight years ago and found through trial and error the best ways to ensure the most-vulnerable kittens would develop into healthy, ready-to-adopt kittens. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
“Most people get into kitten rescue by accident” said Hannah Shaw. That’s what happened to her. She found a tiny, abandoned kitten eight years ago and found through trial and error the best ways to ensure the most vulnerable kittens would develop into healthy, ready-to-adopt kittens. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
WTOP/Kate Ryan
Hannah Shaw began helping neonatal kittens when she found one herself eight years ago. Since establishing "Kitten Lady," a website and organization dedicated to rescuing neonatal (the youngest) kittens, the Mt. Rainier, Maryland, resident figures she's taken in somewhere between 400 and 500 kittens. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
Hannah Shaw began helping neonatal kittens when she found one herself eight years ago. Since establishing “Kitten Lady,” a website and organization dedicated to rescuing neonatal (the youngest) kittens, the Mt. Rainier, Maryland, resident figures she’s taken in somewhere between 400 and 500 kittens. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
WTOP/Kate Ryan
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Sleepy Udon is sharing Shaw's lap with Munay Michi, a kitten Shaw found at Manchu Picchu in Peru and brought to D.C., where she's awaiting adoption. The rescues happen, even on vacation. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
Every kitten has its own distinct personality, said Shaw. Soba, for instance, had a rougher start. She was a bit weaker than her litter mates, but has thrived under Shaw's care. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
Anyone can foster kittens, Shaw said. On her website, KittenLady.org, she gives tips on everything from supplies fosters will need to how-to's on feeding and care of the tiniest felines. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
"This is my life's mission — round the clock this is what I do," said Shaw, who added that when she found her first abandoned kitten eight years ago, she didn't know where to turn. She now works full time rescuing kittens and in humane education. "I try to be the resource that I wish I had when I was first learning," she said. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
"A lot of what I learned you learn through trial and error, but we also have a really great community, especially here in D.C.," said Shaw. She takes in kittens who may weigh just a few ounces and gives them intensive, round-the-clock care until they are old enough to be spayed and adopted. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
"Most people get into kitten rescue by accident" said Shaw. That's what happened to her. She found a tiny, abandoned kitten eight years ago and found through trial and error the best ways to ensure the most-vulnerable kittens would develop into healthy, ready-to-adopt kittens. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
Hannah Shaw began helping neonatal kittens when she found one herself eight years ago. Since establishing "Kitten Lady," a website and organization dedicated to rescuing neonatal (the youngest) kittens, the Mt. Rainier, Maryland, resident figures she's taken in somewhere between 400 and 500 kittens. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
These kittens require round-the-clock care and many shelters are not able to handle what it takes to make sure these kittens thrive and grow enough to be ready for adoption.

Shaw said that it’s easy to get attached to these tiny animals but it is a celebration when they get adopted.

Kate Ryan

As a member of the award-winning WTOP News, Kate is focused on state and local government. Her focus has always been on how decisions made in a council chamber or state house affect your house. She's also covered breaking news, education and more.

kryan@wtop.com

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