Bottle Baby Foster Guide: Caring for Orphaned Puppies and Kittens

Fostering a bottle baby puppy or kitten is one of the most hands-on and rewarding ways to save a life. These tiny animals rely entirely on their caregiver for warmth, nutrition, and safety. While it can feel overwhelming at first, having the right information — and a consistent routine — makes all the difference.

Bottle babies are orphaned or separated puppies and kittens who are too young to eat on their own. They require:

• Bottle or syringe feeding

• Help staying warm

• Assistance with bathroom needs

• Close monitoring for health changes

With proper care, bottle babies can grow into happy, healthy pets ready for adoption.

Newborn puppies and kittens must be fed species-appropriate milk replacer — never cow’s milk.

General Feeding Guidelines:

• Feed every 2–4 hours, including overnight, depending on age

• Warm formula to body temperature (not hot)

• Hold babies on their belly — never on their back

• Allow them to suckle at their own pace

• Stop feeding if milk bubbles from the nose and notify your coordinator

As they grow, feedings will gradually space out and transition to slurry and then solid food.

Young puppies and kittens cannot regulate their body temperature.

Provide:

• A heating pad on low (placed under half the enclosure)

• Warm bedding that is changed frequently

• A draft-free, quiet space

Always ensure babies can move away from the heat source if they get too warm.

Bottle babies cannot urinate or defecate on their own.

After each feeding:

• Use a warm, damp cloth or cotton ball

• Gently stimulate the genital area

• Continue until urine and/or stool is produced

This mimics what a mother would naturally do and prevents serious health issues.

Daily weight checks are one of the most important parts of bottle baby care.

• Healthy babies should gain weight every day

• Weight loss or no gain for 24 hours is a red flag

• Keep a daily log and report concerns immediately

Weight trends often reveal problems before visible symptoms appear.

Bottle babies have fragile immune systems.

• Wash hands before and after handling

• Sterilize bottles and nipples after each use

• Clean bedding daily or as needed

• Limit exposure to other animals

This helps prevent illness and keeps everyone safe.

As puppies and kittens grow:

• Introduce slurry (formula mixed with wet food)

• Expect messy meals — this is normal

• Gradually reduce bottle feedings

• Monitor stool consistency and appetite

Your foster team will guide you through timing and next steps.

Reach out right away if you notice:

• Not eating or weak suckle

• Weight loss or no weight gain

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Lethargy or constant crying

• Milk coming from the nose

• Difficulty breathing

Early communication can save a life.

Bottle baby fostering requires commitment, patience, and compassion — and it makes an incredible impact. These babies would not survive without foster caregivers willing to step in and provide round-the-clock care.

You are not alone. Your foster coordinator and medical team are here to support you every step of the way. Thank you for giving these puppies and kittens the chance to grow, thrive, and find loving homes.