Fostering Neonatal Kittens

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to foster kittens? Not sure if it's right for you? Learn about the ins and outs of feline foster care!

Neonatal Kittens Information Video

The video below will give you an overview of our foster program before diving into all you need to know about neonatal kitten care.

Information on neonatal kitten care starts at 5:52

Kittens who are 1 day to 4 weeks old, with or without mom
Unable to regulate their own body temperature until at least 3 weeks of age
Need round-the-clock care: feeding and pottying every 2-3 hours
Lots and lots of sleeping, no real "playtime" yet
Very fragile and highly susceptible to illness
Orphaned neonatal kittens are at a huge disadvantage; it's not uncommon for them to pass away due to lack of maternal antibodies and underdeveloped organ systems

They require round-the-clock care and we are unable to staff the building 24/7
Despite thorough cleaning protocols and our best efforts, risk of disease transmission is higher in-shelter
Babies need socialization and nurturing

Provide an environment that is as quiet and stress-free as possible
Simply let mom do what she does best; support mom and keep her comfortable
Make sure babies are getting proper care from mom; fosters may need to provide supplemental feeding
Monitor kittens' weights to ensure proper growth; watch for signs of illness
Handle and socialize kittens

Can't foster right now but still want to help? CLICK HERE to donate supplies from our Wish List!