Caring for Baby Kittens: A Foster Guide

Featuring Training Videos by The Kitten Lady

Caring for baby kittens is a lifesaving commitment. Kittens rely entirely on their caregivers for warmth, nutrition, hygiene, and guidance during their earliest weeks of life. This guide walks you through each stage of kitten care, paired with expert instruction from The Kitten Lady, a nationally trusted resource in neonatal kitten fostering.

Please watch the videos in each section and refer back to them often throughout your foster journey.

🎥 Video: How to Set Up Space for Foster Kittens

Before kittens arrive, it’s important to prepare a warm, quiet, and contained space where they can feel secure.

A proper setup includes:

• A draft-free area away from other pets

• Warm bedding

• A safe heat source (such as a heating pad on low under half the enclosure)

• Easy access for feeding and cleaning

Creating the right environment helps reduce stress and supports healthy growth.

🎥 Video: Bottle Feeding Kittens

Kittens under four weeks old need to be bottle-fed using kitten-specific milk replacer.

Key feeding reminders:

• Always feed kittens on their belly, never on their back

• Warm formula to body temperature

• Allow kittens to suckle at their own pace

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

Proper feeding technique is essential to prevent aspiration and ensure adequate nutrition.

🎥 Video: Learn How Baby Kittens Grow: 0–8 Weeks!

Understanding what’s normal at each age helps you recognize progress and spot concerns early.

This video covers:

• Physical development milestones

• Behavioral changes as kittens grow

• When kittens are ready for new stages like weaning and litter training

Knowing what to expect builds confidence and helps you adjust care as kittens mature.

🎥 Video: 10 Tips for Tricky Bottle Baby Kittens

Not all kittens take to the bottle easily. Some may be weak, fussy, or resistant at first.

This video provides guidance on:

• Encouraging reluctant eaters

• Adjusting feeding positions

• Identifying when a kitten needs extra help

• Knowing when to reach out for support

If a kitten struggles to eat or fails to gain weight, notify your foster coordinator immediately.

🎥 Video: How to Wean Kittens

As kittens grow, they transition from bottle feeding to eating on their own.

Weaning includes:

• Introducing slurry (formula mixed with wet food)

• Gradually reducing bottle feedings

• Allowing kittens to explore food at their own pace

• Expecting mess — it’s part of the process

Successful weaning supports independence and healthy development.

🎥 Video: How to Litter Train Kittens

Most kittens naturally take to the litter box once they’re developmentally ready.

Helpful tips include:

• Using a shallow litter box

• Placing kittens in the box after meals

• Keeping the box clean and easily accessible

• Offering positive reinforcement

Early litter training helps kittens transition smoothly into adoptive homes.

Caring for baby kittens is a hands-on, time-intensive commitment, and every small action you take makes a big difference. By monitoring weight daily, keeping kittens warm and clean, and watching closely for changes in appetite, energy, or stool, you are providing the foundation they need to survive and thrive.

Never hesitate to reach out early with questions or concerns — early intervention saves lives. Your dedication, patience, and compassion give these kittens the opportunity to grow into healthy, confident companions and find the loving homes they deserve. Thank you for being a vital part of their lifesaving journey.