Kitten Lady’s Top 5 Tips For Fostering—Or Thinking About Fostering— Orphan Kittens

1

Get the right supplies! You will need specialty items such as kitten formula, bottles, baby blankets, baby wipes, a digital scale, and more. You can find information about what you'll need at KittenLady.org/supplies.

2

Feed them properly. Always feed kittens fresh, comfortably warm formula, and feed while in a belly-down position. Never feed a kitten on her back, as this is dangerous and can cause the kitten to inhale fluid into the lungs. Provide food every few hours, according to their needs for their age. You can learn about feeding kittens at KittenLady.org/feeding.

3

Help them go to the bathroom. Kittens can't go on their own during the first three weeks of life, so you can help them by stimulating them with a soft tissue to replicate the sensation of their mother licking them. Monitor for any concerning signs, such as diarrhea, and treat accordingly. Learn about bathroom business at KittenLady.org/bathroom.

4

Monitor, monitor, monitor! Weigh the kittens daily to ensure that they are making proper gains. Monitor their body composition and temperament and provide immediate treatment if any signs of illness occur. While kittens are very susceptible to illness, even sick kittens can often be saved if monitoring and early intervention practices are in place. Learn to assess kittens at KittenLady.org/assessing.

5

Practice healthy boundaries! Know that it's okay not to take on too much at once, and to take a break in between litters. Self-care is animal care, and we have to take care of ourselves before we can take care of others. Keep your fostering sustainable so that you can continue to save lives for years to come. The animals need you!