BOTTLE BABY BASICS
Everything you need to know in one place
Bottle Babies are very tough age group to care for. The risks are high but the rewards tremendous. Be prepared to get very little sleep, worry all of the time, and experience sheer joy as your kittens meet small, but important milestones.
As always, thank you for fostering!
SUPPLIES
The following is a good list of what you might need while fostering a Bottle Baby.
GETTING STARTED
First Things First: Warmth
Kittens under 4 weeks of age cannot thermoregulate, and therefore rely completely on an external heat source to keep their body at an appropriate temperature. Typically, kittens will rely on their mothers for bodily warmth, but when orphaned, they must have a heat source at all times to keep them warm.
If you are fostering a litter of kittens 0-4 weeks of age, you will need a warming disc called a Snuggle Safe. This disc can be heated up in a microwave (directions/microwave times on back of disc) and be used as a heat source for the kittens. Snuggle Safe discs usually remain warm for 6-8 hours, but make sure to check it every couple of hours just in case! It’s imperative that the kittens remain warm at all times.
You may choose to use a kitten/cat safe electric heating pad. It’s very important that you only use a fabric covered, pet safe pad, as normal plastic heat pads can lead to serious burns and possibly even death of a neonate kitten. Kitten/cat safe heat pads also remain on all the time, unlike normal heating pads that turn off after a period of time.
Never let a kitten lie on a heat source without cover. Make sure that they have space to crawl off the heat source if they get too warm. Constantly check the warmth of the heat source to make sure it cannot burn the kitten, and that it is staying warm enough.
Kittens cannot maintain their own body temperature. The average rectal temperature of a newborn kitten ranges between 92-97 degrees. Between 2-21 days old, a kitten’s temperature will be about 96 – 100 degrees. You will need to build the kitten a nest to keep it warm. The temperature in the nest where the kitten is kept should be 86 degrees. The temperature can be lowered 5 degrees a week thereafter until a mild 75 degrees is reached. To create a good nest, place them in a carrier and put a towel or blanket over the carrier to trap in the heat. You can also do this with a cardboard box.
WEIGHING KITTENS
Monitoring weight is an absolutely essential part of orphan kitten care. Knowing the kitten's weight will help you determine their progress and wellbeing, will help with dosing medication and food, and will alert you when the kitten is unwell. Weighing kittens is not optional--you must make it part of your kitten care routine.
Weigh kittens at least once per day and write down the weight. A healthy kitten should gain a minimum of 10 grams per day. If the kitten is not gaining weight, or is losing weight, this is a sign of illness and should be addressed immediately.
Use a small digital scale to weigh your kittens such as a digital kitchen scale. Placing the kitten in a bowl on the scale will help keep the kitten stable--just be sure to tare the scale first so that only the kitten's weight is being recorded. Watch the video below to see how to easily weigh a kitten.
Check out the Weight and Feeding Chart to determine the average healthy weight for each week of kitten development, and note that this is only a guideline--not a rule book. Every kitten's weight will vary, but what is most important is that the kitten is making progress. If the kitten is underweight or losing weight, bring her to a vet immediately to ensure that she is treated and supportive care is put into place.
SYRINGE FEEDING
Bottle feeding is the standard method for feeding orphaned kittens, but if you're having difficulty feeding a kitten under 2 weeks old, you may want to consider switching from a bottle to a syringe. Before you get started, learn about the benefits and risks of syringe feeding!
A syringe can be greatly beneficial for kittens 0-2 weeks of age. Syringes make it easier to measure in small increments, so you can feel confident that the kitten has eaten a full meal. However, it does come with some risks, as very young kittens don't have a gag reflex and can easily aspirate if fed too quickly. Here's what you need to know if you're going to syringe feed a kitten:
1. Pick the Right Supplies
For small babies, I recommend a 3cc oral syringe (with no needle, of course!) You can find these online for less than ten cents a piece. In a pinch, ask your local veterinarian or animal shelter for a few 3cc syringes; they will definitely have some on hand.
Ideally, you will use the 3cc syringe in combination with a Miracle Nipple. The Miracle Nipple is a very helpful tool that fits on a bottle or on a syringe. The nipple comes in both small and large sizes, and is perfect for helping tiny kittens get a good latch. If no Miracle Nipple is available, it may be challenging to get a kitten to latch, and you may want to opt for a standard bottle.
You will also need to purchase kitten formula. Do not attempt to feed a kitten cow's milk or other dairy products, dairy alternatives, or human baby formula, as this can be dangerous or fatal for the kitten. Kitten formula can be purchased at most pet supply stores, or can be found in rural areas at feed stores. You can also buy it online by visiting the links on my supplies page.
Tip: Be sure to pick up at least a dozen syringes, as you don't want to use them over and over again, even if you're sanitizing them. Used syringes can operate less smoothly, making it harder and more dangerous to feed the kitten.
2. Assess the Kitten
Before you feed a kitten, always make sure you've assessed her to make sure it is safe to feed. If a kitten is overheated or too cold, it is not safe to feed until you have gently stabilized their temperature. If a kitten is not able to swallow, it is not safe to feed. If a kitten has a cleft palate, it may be riskier to feed. Be sure that you've assessed the kitten's temperature and body condition before feeding.
Ensure that the kitten is able to swallow by placing a drop of formula on their tongue and feeling the throat with one finger. If the kitten appears stable and is swallowing, proceed.
3. Feed the Kitten
Prepare the formula according to the manufacturer's instructions, making sure that it is fresh, clump free, and comfortably warm. Pull the formula into the syringe. Lay the kitten in a natural, belly-down position -- never, ever on her back. Gently slide the syringe into the kitten's mouth and slowly drip formula onto the tongue. The kitten should begin to swallow. Very slowly continue to drip formula into the mouth. If the kitten latches on and is suckling, that's great! Just make sure that she isn't eating too quickly; help the kitten keep a slow and steady flow.
Tip: Exercise extreme caution while syringe feeding--feed as slowly as possible to avoid aspiration.
BOTTLE FEEDING
Eat, Burp, Eliminate, Sleep . . . Repeat
When a kitten is without a mother, it's up to us to lend a hand. Bottle feeding is an essential skill for any kitten rescuer, and Kitten Lady makes it easy to learn with this step-by-step tutorial. Anyone can learn to bottle feed, but there are some tips you'll want to have in order to do so safely. Let's get started!
1. Get a Bottle and Nipple
You can purchase a bottle at any pet supply store or feed store, or online. Be aware that the nipple that comes on the bottle is not cut; you will need to cut a hole in it yourself. The hole should be big enough that if you hold it upside down, formula can slowly drop out of it -- but not so big that it flows out freely. Pictured here are Kitten Lady's preferred nipples for kittens, available by PetAg, Pet Nurser, and Miracle Nipple.
2. Assess the Kitten
Before you feed a kitten, always make sure you've assessed her to make sure it is safe to feed. If a kitten is overheated or too cold, it is not safe to feed until you have gently stabilized their temperature. If a kitten is not able to swallow, it is not safe to feed. If a kitten has a cleft palate, it may be riskier to feed. Be sure that you've assessed the kitten's temperature and body condition before feeding.
Ensure that the kitten is able to swallow by placing a drop of formula on their tongue and feeling the throat with one finger. If the kitten appears stable and is swallowing, proceed.
3. Prepare Your Bottle
You're going to need to purchase kitten formula -- you cannot feed kittens the milk that is in your fridge. Never feed a kitten cow's milk or other dairy products, dairy alternatives, or human baby formula, as this can be dangerous or even fatal to the kitten. Instead, purchase a kitten formula from a pet supply store, feed store, or online. Once opened, keep the formula refrigerated. Prepare the formula according to the manufacturer's instructions, making sure that it is fresh, clump free, and comfortably warm.
4. Feed the Kitten
Lay the kitten in a natural, belly-down position -- never, ever on her back. Hold the kitten's head stable with your non-dominant hand. Gently slide the nipple into the kitten's mouth and invert the bottle to start the flow of formula. The kitten should roll her tongue into a U-shape and begin to swallow. Follow the feeding chart for a guideline of amount and frequency.
Be very careful not to squeeze formula into the kitten's mouth as this can cause aspiration. If you are feeding a very young kitten and having a difficult time controlling the flow, consider syringe feeding.
If the kitten latches, that's great, but it's okay if it takes a while for her to get the hang of things! Bottle feeding is an art form that improves with time, so be patient and don't give up. If the kitten is having difficulty, try these tips:
Follow this guideline to determine the proper amount and frequency of feeding. Remember that every kitten is different, and this is a guideline--not a rule book!
Be sure you're holding the head and body stable to guide her. Kittens don't necessarily understand what you're trying to do, so it's up to you to hold them steady and show them.
Take a look at your bottle and nipple, and make sure there are no issues such as a nipple that is cut too big or too small, or clumps in the formula that may be causing a blockage.
Wrap the kitten in a small baby blanket if need be to help her feel focused and swaddled; just make sure she is still in a proper belly-down position.
Rubbing the face with a cloth or toothbrush can simulate a mother's tongue and help them feel prepared to eat.
5. Complete the Routine
After feeding, always ensure that you're cleaning the face by wiping away any formula with a warm, wet cloth or baby wipe. Formula left behind can cause the kitten to get a crusty face or moist dermatitis that causes the fur to fall out, so keep her clean.
Once the kitten is cleaned up, make sure she has been stimulated to pee and poop, and is placed back in her warm, safe spot.
STIMULATING KITTENS
Young kittens don't pee and poop on their own; mama cats stimulate them to go to the bathroom by licking them. If you're raising an orphan, you'll need to help them by stimulating them at each feeding.
1. Stimulate the Kitten With a Soft, Absorbent Tissue
At each feeding, stimulate the kitten to use the bathroom. Use a soft, absorbent, disposable cloth (tissues or toilet paper work great), avoiding harsh products like heavy paper towels which could irritate the kitten's skin. While some people opt to wet the cloth with warm water, this step isn't necessary as long as the cloth is soft.
The body position for stimulating kittens can vary. Some people prefer to sit the kitten upright on a table, some prefer to hold them upright with their bottom facing the floor, and some prefer to turn them on their back. Find the position that works best for you and the kitten.
Hold the kitten steady with one hand, and gently rub the genital region in a circular motion with your soft tissue. The kitten should begin to pee. Continue to stimulate the kitten until she is no longer peeing. Depending on the kitten's age, this may take anywhere from 10 to 40 seconds.
If the kitten needs to poop, stimulate their bottom the whole time that they are pushing. Stimulating helps encourage them to use their muscles to pass stool, so continue until the kitten has finished her business.
2. Keep a Healthy Schedule and Monitor for Symptoms
Stimulate the kitten at every feeding to help keep them on a healthy and regular schedule. Follow the weight and feeding chart to determine the frequency of feeding, and monitor the urine and stool for any concerning symptoms.
Pee should be clear/light yellow in color and should occur at every feeding. Bottle baby poop should be well formed, mustard yellow in color, and should occur at least 1-2 times a day.
If you're concerned about the frequency or consistency of the kitten's poop, please read more about healthy kitten poop and consult a veterinarian.
3. Clean Them Up
Don't miss this step! Even if the kitten's skin feels dry after peeing or pooping, you still want to wipe them down with a wet cloth or a baby wipe afterwards to keep them clean. Kittens have sensitive skin and are susceptible to urine scald, a form of moist dermatitis caused by urine residue that burns and irritates the skin. You can help kittens stay comfortable by gently wiping them down after stimulating.
If the kitten does get urine or fecal scald, keep the area clean at all times and apply a light ointment to help them heal.
MORE RESOURCES
Here are some great websites with more information to help you navigate this difficult and rewarding task of caring for these special kittens.