Because kittens are fragile, it is important for you to watch the behavior of your foster
kittens closely and monitor their health daily. To keep track of their health, keep a journal
of the kittens’ weight, eating habits and overall health. You should weigh the kittens daily
to ensure that they are growing and record the weight in a journal.
Watch for signs of illness, including frequent crying, restlessness, weakness, coldness
(hypothermia), diarrhea, dehydration, shallow or labored breathing, paleness, or blueness in color. Notify the Vetting Department immediately if a kitten is losing weight, is cold to the touch, or is having trouble breathing (either shallow or heavy breathing).
Kittens are susceptible to illness, so foster kittens must be kept indoors. If your personal
cat has access to the outdoors, they should not interact with your foster kittens. Also,
please do not let your foster kittens ride loose in a car. Always use a carrier to transport
kittens to and from appointments.
kittens closely and monitor their health daily. To keep track of their health, keep a journal
of the kittens’ weight, eating habits and overall health. You should weigh the kittens daily
to ensure that they are growing and record the weight in a journal.
Watch for signs of illness, including frequent crying, restlessness, weakness, coldness
(hypothermia), diarrhea, dehydration, shallow or labored breathing, paleness, or blueness in color. Notify the Vetting Department immediately if a kitten is losing weight, is cold to the touch, or is having trouble breathing (either shallow or heavy breathing).
Kittens are susceptible to illness, so foster kittens must be kept indoors. If your personal
cat has access to the outdoors, they should not interact with your foster kittens. Also,
please do not let your foster kittens ride loose in a car. Always use a carrier to transport
kittens to and from appointments.
Caring for Bottle-Fed Kittens.
Bottle-feeding neonatal kittens require an around-the-clock commitment. Thank you so
much for offering your time and attention to these fragile babies. And please remember
that we are here to support you. Here’s some general info about bottle-feeding.
Milk preparation. You can pre-mix enough formula to last for 24 hours of feeding, but it
must always be refrigerated. Discard all unused and mixed formula after 24 hours. Only
heat enough formula for each feeding and throw away any uneaten warmed formula
after each feeding. Do not re-use warmed formula because harmful bacteria can develop
in it.
Bottle-feeding tips. It is easier to feed your kittens when they are gently wrapped in a
towel or blanket, instead of just using your hands. The towel or blanket is softer and
warmer than your hands and being wrapped up makes the kittens feel safer as they eat.
If the kitten allows it, the forelegs should be free to allow them to “knead” with their feet.
This kneading activity is essential to the kitten’s muscle development and helps aid in
digestion of the kitten’s food. Also, be careful to position the kitten so that their belly is
toward the floor. To decrease the chance of formula being aspirated into the lungs,
kittens should not be fed on their backs.
Latching on. It may take a couple tries for a kitten to latch on to the bottle nipple. Just
be patient; sometimes kittens need some encouragement to eat. Make sure that the
nipple you are using on the bottle has an adequate flow of milk. When the nipple tip is
punctured with a sterile needle, formula should drip out (one drop at a time, not a
stream) when the bottle is inverted 180 degrees. Do not hesitate to let us know if you
need any help or assistance with feeding your kittens. We are always here for you, ready to answer any questions that you may have.
Aspiration. If liquid bubbles out through the kitten’s nose or they start coughing, they
may have gotten formula in their lungs. Pat the kitten very gently on the back to elicit a
cough or sneeze, or hold them in an inverted position, tail over their head, for a moment
to remove the formula from the lungs. Please notify the Vetting Department if this
happens to determine if antibiotics or a vet visit is needed.
Peeing and pooping. Bottle-fed kittens need help with elimination, so you’ll need to
stimulate your kittens to pee and poop. After you feed them, wipe each kitten’s back
end with a baby wipe or warm wet cotton ball. Remember to do this every time you feed
them. Document the color and consistency in your journal. Kittens should urinate after
every meal and should poop at least once a day. The normal color of kitten poop is
various shades of mustard, and the consistency is similar as well. When a kitten is first
introduced to formula, it is normal for them not to poop for 48 hours.
Signs of illness. Watch for signs of illness, including frequent crying, restlessness,
weakness, coldness (hypothermia), diarrhea, dehydration, shallow or labored breathing,
paleness, or blueness in color. Notify your Coordinator and the Vetting Department
immediately if a kitten is losing weight, is cold to the touch, or is having trouble
breathing (either shallow or heavy breathing).
Keeping kittens warm. When kittens are infants (less than two weeks old), they can be
kept in small carriers or playpens that can easily be covered by a blanket to maintain
heat and reduce draftiness. As they grow and become more mobile, they will need more
space to roam and play. Also, don’t forget that kittens cannot regulate their body
temperatures, so please always keep a SnuggleSafe disc, or other heat source, warm and
with them. Because kittens’ skin is very sensitive and prone to thermal burns, any heat
source should be covered by a blanket and puppy pad that the kittens cannot burrow
under.
Weighing. Please weigh the kittens before and after each feeding to ensure that they are growing and record the weights in a journal.
much for offering your time and attention to these fragile babies. And please remember
that we are here to support you. Here’s some general info about bottle-feeding.
Milk preparation. You can pre-mix enough formula to last for 24 hours of feeding, but it
must always be refrigerated. Discard all unused and mixed formula after 24 hours. Only
heat enough formula for each feeding and throw away any uneaten warmed formula
after each feeding. Do not re-use warmed formula because harmful bacteria can develop
in it.
Bottle-feeding tips. It is easier to feed your kittens when they are gently wrapped in a
towel or blanket, instead of just using your hands. The towel or blanket is softer and
warmer than your hands and being wrapped up makes the kittens feel safer as they eat.
If the kitten allows it, the forelegs should be free to allow them to “knead” with their feet.
This kneading activity is essential to the kitten’s muscle development and helps aid in
digestion of the kitten’s food. Also, be careful to position the kitten so that their belly is
toward the floor. To decrease the chance of formula being aspirated into the lungs,
kittens should not be fed on their backs.
Latching on. It may take a couple tries for a kitten to latch on to the bottle nipple. Just
be patient; sometimes kittens need some encouragement to eat. Make sure that the
nipple you are using on the bottle has an adequate flow of milk. When the nipple tip is
punctured with a sterile needle, formula should drip out (one drop at a time, not a
stream) when the bottle is inverted 180 degrees. Do not hesitate to let us know if you
need any help or assistance with feeding your kittens. We are always here for you, ready to answer any questions that you may have.
Aspiration. If liquid bubbles out through the kitten’s nose or they start coughing, they
may have gotten formula in their lungs. Pat the kitten very gently on the back to elicit a
cough or sneeze, or hold them in an inverted position, tail over their head, for a moment
to remove the formula from the lungs. Please notify the Vetting Department if this
happens to determine if antibiotics or a vet visit is needed.
Peeing and pooping. Bottle-fed kittens need help with elimination, so you’ll need to
stimulate your kittens to pee and poop. After you feed them, wipe each kitten’s back
end with a baby wipe or warm wet cotton ball. Remember to do this every time you feed
them. Document the color and consistency in your journal. Kittens should urinate after
every meal and should poop at least once a day. The normal color of kitten poop is
various shades of mustard, and the consistency is similar as well. When a kitten is first
introduced to formula, it is normal for them not to poop for 48 hours.
Signs of illness. Watch for signs of illness, including frequent crying, restlessness,
weakness, coldness (hypothermia), diarrhea, dehydration, shallow or labored breathing,
paleness, or blueness in color. Notify your Coordinator and the Vetting Department
immediately if a kitten is losing weight, is cold to the touch, or is having trouble
breathing (either shallow or heavy breathing).
Keeping kittens warm. When kittens are infants (less than two weeks old), they can be
kept in small carriers or playpens that can easily be covered by a blanket to maintain
heat and reduce draftiness. As they grow and become more mobile, they will need more
space to roam and play. Also, don’t forget that kittens cannot regulate their body
temperatures, so please always keep a SnuggleSafe disc, or other heat source, warm and
with them. Because kittens’ skin is very sensitive and prone to thermal burns, any heat
source should be covered by a blanket and puppy pad that the kittens cannot burrow
under.
Weighing. Please weigh the kittens before and after each feeding to ensure that they are growing and record the weights in a journal.
How to Bottle-Feed Kittens.
Kittens will bottle-feed every two to four hours, depending on their age. Steps for
bottle-feeding a kitten:
bottle-feeding a kitten:
- Warm the formula: Place the bottle in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes. Before feeding the kittens, always test the temperature of the formula by placing a few drops on your inner wrist to be sure it is not too hot. It should be slightly warmer than your body temperature.
- Ensure that your foster kitten is warm before offering food. Do not attempt to feed a kitten who is chilled because it can have serious health consequences. A kitten’s ideal body temperature is 100 to 102 degrees. If a kitten feels cold to the touch, contact your Coordinator immediately. A kitten who is cold and unresponsive should be warmed right away. Place the kitten on an approved heating pad safely wrapped in two or three layers of towels. Turn the kitten side to side every 5 minutes. To stimulate blood flow, you may, ever so gently, massage the kitten with hand-rubbing.
- Wrap the kitten in a towel or blanket and position him so that his belly is toward the
floor. Kittens should not be fed on their backs or in an upright position. - Turn the bottle upside down and allow a drop of formula to come out. Place the bottle nipple in the kitten’s mouth and gently move it back and forth, holding the bottle at a 45-degree angle to keep air from getting into the kitten’s stomach. This movement should encourage the kitten to start eating. If at first you don’t succeed, wait a few minutes, and try again. Usually, the kitten will latch on and begin to suckle.
If the bottle appears to be collapsing, gently remove the nipple from the kitten’s
mouth and let more air return to the bottle. - Weight each kitten before and after feeding and record the weights in your journal.
Weaning Kittens.
Once your kittens are about four weeks old, it is time to start the weaning process. Your
goal is to have the kittens eating on their own consistently by the time they’re adopted.
So, beginning at four weeks, start offering warm gruel (two parts wet food, one part
formula) always, along with dry kitten food and water. Every four to six hours, discard
any uneaten gruel and provide a fresh batch.
You will still be supplementing the kittens with a bottle every eight hours to ensure that
they are getting all the nutrients they need but encourage them to eat gruel before you
offer a bottle. To get a kitten interested in trying the gruel, you may have to offer the
gruel with a spoon or use your finger to place a small amount on the kitten’s tongue.
Ideally, by the end of five weeks, your foster kittens will be happily eating dry and wet
food on their own. It is important to continue weighing your foster kittens every day,
after each feeding, to ensure that they are always gaining weight. During the weaning
stage, you should also begin introducing the kittens to the litter
goal is to have the kittens eating on their own consistently by the time they’re adopted.
So, beginning at four weeks, start offering warm gruel (two parts wet food, one part
formula) always, along with dry kitten food and water. Every four to six hours, discard
any uneaten gruel and provide a fresh batch.
You will still be supplementing the kittens with a bottle every eight hours to ensure that
they are getting all the nutrients they need but encourage them to eat gruel before you
offer a bottle. To get a kitten interested in trying the gruel, you may have to offer the
gruel with a spoon or use your finger to place a small amount on the kitten’s tongue.
Ideally, by the end of five weeks, your foster kittens will be happily eating dry and wet
food on their own. It is important to continue weighing your foster kittens every day,
after each feeding, to ensure that they are always gaining weight. During the weaning
stage, you should also begin introducing the kittens to the litter
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Making Formula.
Mix two parts water with one part formula. Mix the powder and water until all clumps are gone. Remember, mixed formula only lasts for 24 hours. |
Making Gruel.
Mix 1/2 can of wet food with 1/4 can of formula per kitten. You can add a little water if the kittens seem to like a looser consistency. It’s perfectly fine to make gruel in bulk and refrigerate it, but you’ll need to warm it before offering it to the kittens. |
View and Download this Quick Feeding Guide
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As always, watch the behavior of your kittens and monitor their health daily. Continue to
keep a journal detailing each foster kitten’s weight, appetite, energy level and overall
health. Weigh the kittens once a day, preferably around the same time, to minimize the
variables when tracking the kittens’ growth. Look over each kitten every day for physical
changes or potential medical problems.
Now that the kittens are using a litter box, be sure to scoop the box at least two times
daily. Every other day, dump the litter, clean the box with a mild detergent (such as dish
washing liquid) and put in fresh litter. You’ll want to monitor the kittens for diarrhea and
clean the litter box more frequently if diarrhea is apparent.
At this stage, play with the kittens several times a day with interactive toys. Play time
provides stimulation, encourages socialization, and releases excess energy. Try a variety
of toys (balls, squeaky toys, feather toys, etc.) to see which ones your foster kittens like.
Cat toys don’t have to be fancy or expensive. Cats often enjoy playing with something as
simple as a paper bag (remove the handles for safety) or a box with holes cut in the
sides.
Don’t leave your foster kittens alone with any toys that could be easily ingested or cause
harm to them. Examples are string toys, yarn, feathers dangling from a string and wand
toys. Toys such as ping-pong balls and toilet paper tubes are safe. Also, it may seem
cute, but discourage your foster kittens from play-biting your hands and feet. This is
something that adopters may not find desirable.
keep a journal detailing each foster kitten’s weight, appetite, energy level and overall
health. Weigh the kittens once a day, preferably around the same time, to minimize the
variables when tracking the kittens’ growth. Look over each kitten every day for physical
changes or potential medical problems.
Now that the kittens are using a litter box, be sure to scoop the box at least two times
daily. Every other day, dump the litter, clean the box with a mild detergent (such as dish
washing liquid) and put in fresh litter. You’ll want to monitor the kittens for diarrhea and
clean the litter box more frequently if diarrhea is apparent.
At this stage, play with the kittens several times a day with interactive toys. Play time
provides stimulation, encourages socialization, and releases excess energy. Try a variety
of toys (balls, squeaky toys, feather toys, etc.) to see which ones your foster kittens like.
Cat toys don’t have to be fancy or expensive. Cats often enjoy playing with something as
simple as a paper bag (remove the handles for safety) or a box with holes cut in the
sides.
Don’t leave your foster kittens alone with any toys that could be easily ingested or cause
harm to them. Examples are string toys, yarn, feathers dangling from a string and wand
toys. Toys such as ping-pong balls and toilet paper tubes are safe. Also, it may seem
cute, but discourage your foster kittens from play-biting your hands and feet. This is
something that adopters may not find desirable.
Cleaning up Between Litters.
Once your kittens have moved on, you must sanitize your fostering room or area before
you should bring home a new batch of kittens. Remove anything the kittens touched and
clean it with a weak bleach solution, consisting of one part bleach to 32 parts cold water.
If you have items that can be washed in the dishwasher, please do so since the heat will
disinfect those items. Plastic or metal items that need to be sterilized, such as litter boxes
or plastic toys, should be soaked in the bleach solution for 10 minutes and then rinsed off.
Wash all bedding with bleach and hot water and throw away any toys that cannot be
sterilized. Being conscientious about sterilization will help ensure that your next foster
group will not catch any illnesses from the previous group of kittens.
you should bring home a new batch of kittens. Remove anything the kittens touched and
clean it with a weak bleach solution, consisting of one part bleach to 32 parts cold water.
If you have items that can be washed in the dishwasher, please do so since the heat will
disinfect those items. Plastic or metal items that need to be sterilized, such as litter boxes
or plastic toys, should be soaked in the bleach solution for 10 minutes and then rinsed off.
Wash all bedding with bleach and hot water and throw away any toys that cannot be
sterilized. Being conscientious about sterilization will help ensure that your next foster
group will not catch any illnesses from the previous group of kittens.
A significant portion of the Resources sections of this website, and content therein, are reproduced from Best Friends (www.bestfriends.org). Specific authors are noted where appropriate. Resources utilized from the Best Friends website are available for use and reproduction without prior contact. Much of this content is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.
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[email protected] | 612-299-2001
3500 Vicksburg Lane N., #220, Plymouth, MN 55447-1334
(mailing address only)
3500 Vicksburg Lane N., #220, Plymouth, MN 55447-1334
(mailing address only)
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