Foothills Animal Shelter Foster Department
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SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Foothills Animal Shelter Foster Department–
Kitten Care 101 Guidebook: The Cure for
Amnesia
1
SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
*This guide is not a substitute for communicating with the foster department. Always keep the foster de-
partment updated on how kittens in your care are doing, whether it is going well or not. Kittens are very
fragile and staff will better be able to help you if you are updating us the entire time they are with you. If
you are experiencing any problems/concerns with your kitten, it is important you contact the foster de-
partment immediately. *
Never hesitate to ask us questions!
Mom and Babies
0-3 Weeks A note on this guide: It is set up
in color coded sections, as shown
4+ Weeks
in this table.
Socializer Kitten
Getting in Touch with the Foster Department
Foster Hours of Operation: 8am to 6pm, 7 days a week, by appointment
Except holidays when the Shelter is closed
Email: foster@fas4pets.org
Remember to choose ‘Reply All’ when responding
For all general communication, this the most ideal way to contact the Foster Department.
Direct Office Phones:
720-407-5231
720-407-5239
Emergency On-Call Cell Phone
(after hours & holidays)
720-460-1314
Leave a message and you will receive a prompt call back.
2
SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
How to Determine a Kitten’s Age
What age is your kitten? When your kitten arrived at the shelter, staff determined its
age before it was ready to head out to foster. Ever wonder how we do that when we
generally have no clue when their actual birthday is?
Is my kitten a boy or girl? Along with determining their age, staff will attempt to de-
termine the gender of your kitten upon arrival. Very young kittens can be tough to de-
termine, but as they grow it will become easier.
https://www.alleycat.org/resources/kitten-progression/
http://www.kitten-rescue.com/sexing_the_kitten.html
3
SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Kitten Milestones by Age
Depending on your kitten’s age, there are certain milestones to watch for and specific treatments
they will need on a regular schedule.
Age Weight Milestones What do we need?
Birth 4-5 oz • Eyes and ears closed
• Sleeps most of the time
• Keep handling to a minimum
10-14 8 oz • Eyes and ears should open during this time
days frame
2-3 12 oz • Baby incisors erupt
weeks • Can begin to eliminate without stimulation
• Will start crawling, standing, and playing
1st dose Ponazuril
• Regular handling can begin and Pyrantel given at
• Competition for rank and territory begin. 2 weeks of age.
Separation from mothers and littermates at Booster both in 2
this point could lead to poor learning skills weeks.
and aggression towards people and other
pets.
4
SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Kitten Milestones by Age Cont’d
Age Weight Milestones What do we need?
4weeks 1lb • Baby canine teeth erupt
• Walking more, but may not have great bal-
Booster Ponazuril and
ance
Pyrantel. Boostered
• Begins to self groom every 2 weeks until 16
• Can thermoregulate weeks of age
• Ready for introduction to gruel and dry 1st FVRCP vaccine
kitten food given if at least 1lb
• Hearing is developed by 4 weeks of age
• Sight is fully developed by 5 weeks of age
6 1.5lbs • Baby premolars erupt
weeks (1lb 8oz) • Running, playing, and using litterbox Booster FVRCP vac-
consistently cine Booster in 2
weeks. Booster py-
• Should be eating mainly dry kitten food,
rantel and ponazuril
supplemented with canned food
.
8+ 2+lbs • Ready for Spay/Neuter and adoption if
weeks 2+lbs
Graduation!
• Rabies vaccine given at 16 weeks of age
Booster all. Once
2+lbs, release to
adoption!
5
SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Setting Up for Your New Foster Kitten Based on Age
Age Mom and Kittens
Moms with kittens will need a den set up somewhere in your home where mom can feel safe and secure
while she cares for her little ones. It’s usually best if this is a dimly lit (low lighting) area that is out of the
way and will have low traffic around it. Keep in mind that you can prep an area for her, and she may
choose to set up somewhere completely different; mom’s choices aren’t typically predictable! Find a cor-
ner or closet in the room you plan on confining them in and prepare it. You can use a large litter box, or
something similar to house mom and kittens (depending on kitten ages). This will give mom a safe place to
keep kittens contained (in the box) but she will be able to get out and stretch her legs when she needs to.
You can use new, clean bedding as well as bedding mom has been using while at the shelter so that her
scent is on it already and helps her feel more comfortable.
Return to Kitten
Milestone Chart
6
SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Setting Up for Your New Foster Kitten Based on Age
Age Mom and Kittens
Once you get mom and kittens to your home you can set the crate facing towards the area you set up and
open the door. Mom will eventually come out and explore the area. Once she’s comfortable and has
picked her spot she may head back to the crate and start moving the kittens to her chosen area. Usually,
once she’s picked a place, that’s it… you won’t be able to convince her to move elsewhere. If kittens are a
little older and able to move around on their own, mom will love a perch somewhere near her “nest” so
she can take a break from them but still keep watch. Once mom has picked her location, set up a litterbox
and food/water for her and kittens. Depending on the area you have available to work with; you may
need baby gates or play pens to help keep mom contained, once she’s chosen her spot, if you do not want
her to have free roam of your house at that time. If you have resident pets, they must be kept entirely
separate from mom and babies.
Items You’ll need
Large crate (big enough for mom and babies)
Bedding– Clean and recently used by mom
2 litter boxes– and kitten sized
Unscented, non-clumping litter
Litter scoop
Return to Kitten
Scale
Milestone Chart
Optional Baby gate or play pen
7
SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Setting Up for Your New Foster Kitten Based on Age
Age 0-3 weeks
Kittens should be housed in a small crate or play pen, provided
by FAS. Make sure crate is lined with warm blankets, and is
large enough to house a warmie, with room for the kittens to
move away from the heat source if needed. Adding a soft
stuffed animal will offer the kittens something warm to snuggle
with in place of siblings and mom. Make sure to keep bedding
clean and dry, change as needed.
Items You’ll need
Crate (clam shell if available)
Bedding (enough so you can change frequently)
Warmie
Return to Kitten
Stuffed Animal
Milestone Chart
Scale
8
SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Setting Up for Your New Foster Kitten Based on Age
Age 4+ weeks
Kittens can be housed in a small crate, play pen, larger crate, or small room as they
grow and begin to really explore. Crates should be big enough to house a warmie (if
needed), with room for kittens to move away from the heat source. Space kittens
are housed in should be kept small to encourage weight growth and keep them
from running off all of the calories they may eat during the day, and this will help
them learn solid litterbox skills. Keep in mind that as kittens grow they will learn
how to climb, so they will not be confined by baby gates or play pens for long!
Items You’ll need
Small room or play pen/baby gates
Crate
Warmie
Bedding
Litter box
Unscented, non-clumping litter
Return to Kitten
Litter Scoop
Milestone Chart
Scale
9
SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Setting Up for Your New Foster Kitten: Based on Age
Age Socializer (typically 8 weeks or less)
Kittens who are in need of socialization will require a special set up to ensure the best
chance at success and to reduce the risk of possible bites happening. A large wire kennel
should be set up with a bed, litter box, and food/water dishes. Using this set up ensures
the kitten will not find someplace to hide, and you have relatively easy access to the kitten
in the beginning when handling. Once the kitten has warmed up to people, you may ex-
pand its area outside of the crate.
Items You’ll need
Large wire kennel
Purrito bag
Litter box
Bedding
Unscented, non-clumping litter
Litter scoop
Highly desirable reward– such as canned food or human
baby food (no food that contains garlic or onion)
Return to Kitten
Wand or feather type toy
Milestone Chart
Scale
10SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Guide to Socializer Kittens
Age Socializer (typically 8 weeks or less)
First Few Days Handling Recommendation: Hand feeding wet food
‘Burritoing’ - to hold, use so- or baby food, letting
Start Here
cialization bag or wrap in kitten lick off your fin-
What you see: towel. Use gloves or gently gers
Kitten hissing, spitting, scruff to handle if needed
swatting, growling
Pick up, hold briefly and re- Play with small interac-
turn to safe place– “catch tive toys (no catnip),
and release” but focus on handling
and being close to
kitten
We will supply you with a “purrito bag” when you pick up your so-
cializer kitten. This bag is a wonderful way for your kitten to be
with people and experience your day with you, without having to
be constantly handled. The thick felt material envelops them and
the mesh window gives them a view of the world as well as letting
them experience the sounds and smells of their environment. Continue to next steps
11SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Map to Socializer Kittens
Age Socializer (typically 8 weeks or less)
At 5-7 days
What you see: What to do:
Still observing some hissing, Continue handling, including all
spitting, swatting, growling and/ over body. Increase: Interaction
or backing away time, frequency of approaching,
standing/walking near kitten
What you see:
What to do:
Hissing on approach but respon-
Continue handfeeding canned
sive, purring, warming up to being
food and continue focus on
handled
handling, holding
What to do:
What you see:
If possible, separate from other
No change or improvement
kittens to handle, and confine
to small area for interactions.
Consult with Foster Staff.
Do not introduce kitten to your resident pets until
they are soliciting affection from humans. If intro-
duced to your pet before they are fully socialized
with humans, they may bond with them over the
humans in their life. The goal is to have a kitten
that is well socialized with humans and ready to
head up for adoption!
Continue to next steps
12SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
After 7-10 days
What you see: What to do:
Social, purring, relaxed with Congratulations! Continue han-
handling and approach dling and encourage kitten to ap-
proach you for food or play time.
What you see:
What to do:
Still a little hissy, shy, apprehensive
Keep at the handling, hand
feeding, separating from oth-
ers, etc. Some kittens stay shy
What to do:
What you see:
Consult with Foster Staff for
Still no improvement
new ideas or to return kitten to
shelter for more intensive work
or Working Whiskers Program
Depending on how old the kitten is and
where they are in their socializer journey,
foster staff may ask you to return the kitten
once they have hit a certain point. It is
sometimes more a matter of bonding with
whomever they spend the most time with
You made it!
instead of needing further socialization
work. It will be important for them to find
their new forever homes ASAP when this is
the case so they may begin to bond with
their new owner and you can work with an-
other kitten!
13SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Feeding Your Foster Kittens: Based on Age
Age Mom and Kittens
Kittens that come with mom should ideally need little support in feeding until they reach weaning age.
Sometimes, though, mom will need a little help making sure everyone is being fed enough, especially if there
is a runt in the litter. Often, the bigger kittens in a litter will push the smaller ones out of the way and get the
majority of mom’s milk. While you have mom and kittens in your care it will be important to weigh the
kittens throughout the week to ensure they are all gaining weight steadily. Report any stagnation or loss of
weight to foster department. If you begin to notice any of the kittens struggling to eat and/or gain weight,
you may be advised to subsidize mom’s feedings with bottle feeding of your own. Refer to feeding instruc-
tions for kittens age 0-3 weeks (page 15) for instructions on how to bottle feed a kitten.
Otherwise, your main job will be to keep mom well fed and when the kittens are old enough, help introduce
and guide them through the weaning process. Refer to feeding instructions for kittens age 3-5 weeks (page
18) for instructions on how to help a kitten transition from milk or formula to gruel, and eventually dry and
canned food. While mom is nursing it is important that she always have access to food as her body is ex-
pending a tremendous amount of energy. While mom is nursing, offer kitten dry food all day, always replen-
ishing the bowl when she empties it. You can offer canned kitten food 2-3 times a day, offering 1/2-1 can
each time, depending on the size of the can. You can also offer a small amount of RC mom and baby cat
food, but be cautious of how much you use. This is an expensive food that is mainly used to encourage
kittens to eat dry food and will be an important tool in the weaning process. If kittens are weaned (around 4-
6 weeks of age) you can begin offering mom adult dry and canned food, and feeding kittens the appropriate
dry and canned food.
Items You’ll need
Bowls for food (canned, dry, gruel) and water
Dry food– Royal Canin Mom and Baby cat, Purina Pro-
plan Kitten, Purina Proplan Adult Cat Always store
unused KMR
Canned food– Kitten and adult
powder in the
KMR– Powder, not the liquid that is sold in cans fridge or freezer
Syringes and/or bottles to keep it fresh!
Return to Kitten Nipples (varying sizes)
Milestone Chart Soft cloth or cotton balls
Scale
14SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Feeding Your Foster Kittens: Based on Age
Age 0-3 weeks
Bottle baby kittens are 0-3 (or 4) weeks old. They will
need special, around the clock care, with feedings every
2-4 hours. If mom is not present or able to feed, it will be
up to you! Kittens will need to be fed KMR, a milk replac-
er formula. You can use either a syringe, syringe with
nipple, or bottle, or any combination of the three. What-
ever works best for you and the kitten! Nipples should
be cut so that formula easily drips out when the bottle is
inverted. You should not need to squeeze a bottle to
produce a drop of formula.
See Pages 16-17 for steps tips on bottle feeding
Items You’ll need
Syringes (varying sizes)
Bottles and cleaning supplies Always store
Nipples (varying sizes) unused KMR
KMR– Powder, not the liquid that is sold in cans powder in the
fridge or freezer
Blanket/Towel
to keep it fresh!
Return to Kitten Cotton ball /soft cloth
Milestone Chart Timer/Alarm clock
Scale
15SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Steps for bottle feeding- 2. PREPARE FORMULA cont’d– If the formula is
too cold it can lead to gastrointestinal upset
1. CHECK KITTEN- Make sure the kitten is warm,
and lower the kitten’s body temperature, un-
and not chilled. Use a warmie or hold the kitten
doing all of your hard work! Be careful to check
close to your body until it warms up. At this
that the formula is also not too hot, as this can
age, kittens cannot generate their own body
injure the kitten.
heat, so wrapping in a towel or blanket will not
warm them up without a heat source. A chilly 3. PREPARE KITTEN- Place kitten on its belly. Nev-
kitten will not be able to eat and feeding them er hold a kitten on its back to feed. They can
while they are cold can have serious health easily aspirate fluid into their lungs this way. If
consequences. The energy needed to metabo- the kitten is moving, and flailing too much to
lize the food may not be readily available when feed; you can wrap them in a blanket or towel
they are cold, which means food may just sit in and hold them upright. Experiment with both
their stomach undigested and cause issues. positions to determine what works best for you
Their ability to swallow may also be weakened and the kitten
so there is a greater risk of aspiration. If your
kitten is cold and you are worried that it has
not eaten in a very long time, put some honey
or syrup on its gums to help boost blood sugar
while you work on warming it up.
2. PREPARE FORMULA– Mix formula according to
instructions on container. Do not mix too much
formula at one time. Only make enough formu-
la to last you 12-24 hours. Make sure formula is
warm, not too cold or too hot. Only heat up https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-kitten-health-care-bottle-feeding-orphan-ask-einstein
what you need for that feeding. Refrigerate the
rest for future use. You can submerge a bottle
or syringe of formula in a mug of hot water to
heat it up and test the temperature on the in-
side of your wrist. A kitten’s body temperature
is normally around 95-100° F, and an adult cat’s
body temperature is normally 100-102° F. The
formula should be around 100° F, as this is the
temperature of the milk they would normally
receive from mom.
16SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Kitten Feeding Chart by Age
4. FEED- Place a drop or two of formula onto
the kitten’s tongue to introduce them to the Age Amount (per feeding) Schedule
formula and to make sure they are ready to
swallow. If the kitten latches onto the nipple 0-1 Week 2-6ml Every 2 hours
immediately, congrats! You are on the road
1-2 Weeks 6-10ml Every 2-3 hours
to a successful feeding.
• If feeding with a bottle, make sure you do 2-3 Weeks 10-14ml Every 2-4 hours
not squeeze the bottle as this may force too http://www.kittenlady.org/bottlefeeding/
much formula into the kitten’s mouth at
one time. If using a syringe, use a very slow 5. Gently pat the kitten on the back to help it
and measured pace as you press on the work out any excess air, much like burping a
plunger, making sure again that you do not baby but you may not hear an actual burp.
force too much formula into the kitten’s 6. STIMULATE AND CLEAN- Stimulate urina-
mouth. tion/defecation using a soft cloth, cotton
• If the kitten does not latch on right away, ball, or Kleenex. Gently dab rectum and
don’t give up! Some kittens may be too genital area until kitten urinates and/or def-
weak to latch, or will require a few feedings ecates. Urine should be clear to light yellow
to really understand what to do. Wiggling in color and occur at every feeding. Feces at
the nipple back and forth in their mouth can this stage should occur 1-2 times a day. It
help stimulate them to latch on. If they are should be well formed and mustard yellow
chewing on the nipple and seem receptive in color. If your kitten hasn’t defecated in
to feeding, slowly trickle formula into their the last 1-2 days, let foster department
mouth and make sure they are swallowing. know immediately.
You may not get a full meal in, but you will
likely get enough food in them to keep them
going until the next feeding time.
• A full meal will usually be 3-9ml per feed
(see chart for age specific guidelines), de-
pending on the size of the kitten. Kittens
will usually turn their head to the side when
full, but some will continue to eat as long as
food is available, so stop feeding around the
suggested maximum amount per feeding to
avoid overeating.
http://www.kittenlady.org/stimulating
17SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Feeding Your Foster Kittens: Based on Age
Age 4+ weeks
Weaning from bottle (formula) to other foods usually takes place during the 3-5
week age range. This can be a very difficult time due to the possibility of back-
sliding: a kitten who appears to be learning and making the switch from milk/
formula to eating gruel/wet food is not actually getting enough food on their
own or may even stop eating suddenly. Feedings can occur every 4-8 hours de-
pending on how much the kitten is eating on their own. Kittens will begin wean-
ing with gruel– a mixture of canned food and formula, eventually working in dry
food and decreasing the amount of formula in mixture. During this time kittens
may need syringe feeding to subsidize what they are able to eat on their own,
or to “prime the pump” and get them started eating. It is important to be ex-
tremely vigilant during this process as only a day or two of insufficient nutrition
can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, illness, and Fading Kitten Syndrome (see
page 22, for more info on this). Begin offering water at all times if kitten is mo-
bile. You will still need to stimulate your kitten as they wean and progress into
using a litter box.
Items You’ll need
Syringes (varying sizes)
Canned food (KITTEN specific)
KMR– Powder, not the liquid that is sold in cans Always store
Royal Canin Mom and Baby Cat dry food unused KMR
Purina Pro Plan Kitten dry food powder in the
fridge or freezer
Low sided dishes
to keep it fresh!
Return to Kitten Scale
Milestone Chart Cotton ball /soft cloth
Timer/Alarm clock
18SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Steps-
1. CHECK KITTEN- Make sure the kitten is warm, 3. PREPARE KITTEN– You can hold the kitten in
and not chilled. Use a warmie or hold the kitten your lap or sit near the kitten while they eat.
close to your body until it warms up. At this Be prepared for the kitten, the floor, and even
age, kittens are beginning to thermoregulate, you to get messy! Learning to eat is a fun, but
but may still need a little help. A chilly kitten messy process. You can gently stroke the
will not be able to eat and feeding them while kitten with a soft toothbrush during feeding
they are cold can have serious health conse- times to simulate grooming the mother would
quences. The energy needed to metabolize the do while they eat.
food may not be readily available when they
are cold, which means food may just sit in their Gruel Ratio Chart
stomach undigested and cause issues. Their
ability to swallow may also be weakened so Canned 1/2 can 1 can 1.5 cans 2 cans
there is a greater risk of aspiration. If your (1.5oz) (3oz) (4.5oz) (6oz)
food
kitten is cold and you are worried that it has
not eaten in a very long time, put some honey KMR 1/3 tsp 3/4 tsp 1 1/2— 2tsp
or syrup on its gums to help boost blood sugar
while you work on warming it up.
2. PREPARE GRUEL– Gruel is a mixture of canned
kitten food and KMR, mixed to varying degrees
of liquid to chunky depending on the kitten’s
age and eating ability. Each kitten should get
about 1/2 can of canned food each at each
feeding. See chart for suggested canned food
to KMR ratios. Begin with a thin gruel, adding
more warm water as needed to make it thin
enough for them to lap from a small plate or
low bowl. As your kitten progresses, make the
gruel chunkier by adding more canned food
and less KMR/water until you are feeding only
wet food. As your kitten grows and masters
eating gruel, you can mix a little Purina Pro Plan
kitten food or Royal Canin Mom and Baby Cat
dry food in with the gruel so that they begin to http://www.kittenlady.org/feeding/
learn what dry food feels like.
19SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
4. OFFERING FOOD– Make sure gruel is offered on a 5. STIMULATE AND CLEAN- Stimulate urination/
small plate or low sided dish. Kitten eye sight at this defecation using a soft cloth, cotton bowl, or
age is poor. Using low sided dishes makes it easier for Kleenex. Gently dab rectum and genital area until
them to find the food and will help reduce the kitten urinates and/or defecates. Urine should be
amount of time they spend gnawing on the side of clear to light yellow in color and occur at every
the bowl. You can use your finger, a spoon, or sy- feeding. Feces at this stage should occur 1-2
ringe to offer some gruel to the kitten and peak their times a day. It should be well formed and mustard
interest. If kitten does not seem interested in food at yellow in color. Depending on the age of your
all, try warming the gruel up in the microwave. kitten, they may be exploring using a litter box
Warming the food increases the aroma and may help while weaning! Monitor urine and feces, and
entice a kitten to eat, especially if they are suffering don’t be afraid to jump in and stimulate your
from a URI and are congested. If a kitten will not try kitten if they are struggling to grasp using the
the gruel, make sure the gruel is thin and draw up a litter box. If your kitten hasn’t defecated in the
small amount in a syringe. You can try “priming the last 1-2 days, let foster department know imme-
pump” by “force” feeding, gently, a small amount of diately.
gruel. Sometimes just a few ml of gruel, introduced
via syringe will encourage the kitten’s appetite. If the
kitten does not begin to readily attempt to eat after a
few ml, you can offer 3-9ml (depending on size of
kitten) via syringe. If your kitten is just beginning the
transition from bottle to gruel, top off each meal with
formula as needed. DO NOT regress back to bottle
feeding if your kitten has already started the weaning
process. Regressing back to the bottle will cause your
kitten to backslide! Be patient and willing to try
different ways of helping your kitten eat, and contact
the foster department if you are struggling.
http://www.kittenlady.org/stimulating
20SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Weighing your Kitten
It is important for you to track your kitten’s weight while they are in
foster. Refer to pages 4-5 for the estimated weight of a kitten in each
age group. Kittens will begin at different weights, and may gain faster
or slower than their siblings or other kittens you have fostered in the
past. The main thing you are looking for is consistent weight gain.
Stagnation or loss of weight could signal an underlying issue and
should be addressed immediately. You should aim to weigh kittens
twice daily until they reach 6 weeks of age (once in the morning and
once in the evening aiming for the same time each day) so that you
are familiar with their personal growth pattern and can identify any
stagnation or loss as soon as possible. Kittens 6 weeks or older can be
weighed daily, or at least a few times throughout the week. Alert the
foster department immediately if you notice stagnation or loss of
weight in your kitten(s), including details such as feeding schedule,
amount they typically eat in a feeding, energy, any vomiting or diar-
rhea, and if they are dehydrated- Refer to page 25 for how to assess
hydration.
You can keep track of their weight however works best for you. Below
is an example of a chart that could be used.
Date: Time of weighing: Weight:
2/28/19 11:00am 1lb 2oz
Click here to go to Printable
Kitten Weight Chart on page
28.
21SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Fading Kitten Syndrome
“Fading kitten syndrome is not a single
entity; rather, it describes a large number
of problems and conditions that can
cause death in young kittens” (Dr. Eric
Barchas, Catster 2018).
Kittens will sometimes get sick and/or die, seemingly without warning. While it may appear to have hap-
pened without cause, there has usually been some problem building gradually in the background, difficult to
detect until it has reached a crisis level. Once in crisis, kittens unfortunately usually have a poor prognosis,
though some may pull through with prompt emergency care. The early detection of problems before they
reach crisis level whenever possible is the best way to avoid a kitten developing fading kitten syndrome.
Symptoms– Kittens will often display similar symptoms with fading kitten syndrome no matter the cause
• Lethargy (usually extreme)
• Low body temp
• Pale gums/tacky skin/dehydration (Know this is discussed in detail later)
• Low respiratory rate or very rapid respiratory rate, gasping
• Failure to nurse or eat (age dependent)
22SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Fading Kitten Syndrome cont’d
What to do– If you notice a kitten exhibiting any of the above symptoms, alert the foster department imme-
diately. The kitten will require veterinary care and the foster department will advise you on what to do.
There are some things you can do while at home to support the kitten until help can be provided
• Warm the kitten up: Place a blanket on a heating pad or warmie and place the kitten on the blanket. If
the kitten is not yet mobile and has been laying on the heating pad for too long, it may be overheating
and you will need to move it away from the heat source
• Place a drop of honey or syrup on its gums; this will provide an immediate blood sugar spike during a
time when the kitten may be too weak or cold to eat
Items You’ll need
Warmie or heating pad
Blanket
Honey or syrup
23SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Fading Kitten Syndrome Cont’d
The symptoms of Fading Kitten Syndrome can be linked to a large number of problems and are often the cul-
mination of multiple problems building together. This is in no way an all inclusive list, but just a few of the
possible problems that can lead to crisis.
Inadequate Mothering( By the feline mother)- This is considered one of the leading risk factors for fading
kitten syndrome. Kittens that have been orphaned are at greater risk as they are not receiving the benefits of
mom’s milk and care. Kittens who are still with their mother may be at a higher risk if mom is inexperienced,
not producing enough milk, not letting the kittens nurse, stressed, or malnourished. Mom can also acci-
dentally lay or sit on a kitten.
Trauma– Possible causes could be when a kitten falls from a height or gets crushed, such as being stepped on
or sat on (see above).
Hypothermia– While also a symptom of Fading Kitten Syndrome, this can be a cause as well. This can occur
when a kitten is separated from its mother and/or litter in a chilly environment. If caring for a singlet kitten,
this can happen when they are not placed where they have easy access to heat and will hold the warmth in.
Young kittens are not able to generate their own body heat until around 4 weeks of age. A cold kitten will be
less able and likely to nurse and could suffer the consequences of not eating enough.
Low Blood Sugar/Anorexia- A kitten that has gone too long between feedings or has not been eating enough
to sustain itself at each feeding may suffer from low blood sugar. The longer they go without eating an ade-
quate amount, the more at risk they are.
Infectious organisms– Whether bacterial, viral, or parasitic, kittens are at risk of infection, and this risk is
greater if the kitten was unable to nurse from mom initially. They may have missed out on receiving im-
portant antibodies that would help protect them from infection that are passed to kittens during the first
few feedings after birth (Dr. Ernest Ward, VCA 2009).
Hereditary defects– This can range from heart irregularities to undeveloped immune systems. We are unfor-
tunately not always able to detect a defect.
- https://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/affordable-vet-care-for-your-cat
24SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Checking your Kitten’s Hydration– How to tell if your kitten may be
dehydrated
Whether your kitten has diarrhea (see page 26), is vomiting, or is just
overall not doing well– you may be asked to assess whether or not they
seem hydrated by foster staff. There are two “easy” ways to check for de-
hydration.
1. Gently pinch the kitten’s skin over the shoulders, (the scruff). If the skin
springs back slowly, (takes more than one second), the kitten may be de-
hydrated
https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/assessing-patient-hydration
2. Gently pick up the kitten’s lip to check the gum line. Gums should be
pink and moist. If not (ie. pale and tacky), the kitten may be dehydrated
https://www.pet-happy.com/would-you-know-if-your-cat-is-dehydrated/
If you believe your kitten is dehydrated, contact the foster department immediately. Your kitten will most
likely need to come to the shelter for an exam and treatment. Treatment will often include subcutaneous or
IV fluids, as well as other possible treatments to treat other underlying problems that may have lead to the
dehydration or are a product of the dehydration.
25SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
The Scoop on Poop
Diarrhea
can come in all consistencies, colors, and even smells! Alert the fos-
ter department when you first see loose stools. Any detail you can
provide will help us identify the best way to help you and your
kitten. This can mean sending pictures, or even just describing what
you see and smell. Based on what you tell us, we will determine if
your kitten needs medication or should come in for an exam/testing
and treatment.
When did it start?
How often is your kitten defecating or trying to defecate?
What is the consistency (use fecal scoring chart on page 27)
What is the color? “Squash it”: Canned pumpkin is something that is easy to
Does it have a strong smell? have on hand. This may be one of the first things we sug-
gest when you initially report diarrhea, but there are
How are appetite and energy? some guidelines to dosing pumpkin! When you let the fos-
Has there been any vomiting? ter department know you are seeing loose stools, if we
advise trying pumpkin we will advise how much each
How is hydration? (See page 25)
“dose” should be based on the size of the kitten. It is im-
portant we know when pumpkin has been tried as a treat-
ment for loose stools so we can track what has and has
not worked.
• Give 3 doses, with 4-10 hours between. If loose stools
are not better by the third dose, do not continue.
• If loose stools do firm-up, either within the 3 doses or
by the end of the dosing, stop administering. If you
continue when it is firmed, pumpkin will loosen the
stools again. It works both ways!
• Dose as a medication – through a syringe for control
of quantity. It does not work as well when mixed with
food.
26SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
https://www.proplanveterinarydiets.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/PPPVD-Fecal-Scoring-Chart-EN-FINAL.pdf
27SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Date: Time of weighing: Weight: Observations
Ex. 2/28/19 11:00am 1lb 2oz Great appetite and energy!
28SOP: Kitten Care Guidebook
Department: Ops/Foster
Implementation Date: 03.23.19
Revision #: 03.2020
Created: March 2019
Author: Jenn Mueller– Foster Care Coordinator
Barchas, D. E. (2018). What Is Fading Kitten Syndrome and Why Do So Many Foster Kittens Die From It? Re-
trieved from Catster: What Is Fading Kitten Syndrome and Why Do So Many Foster Kittens Die From
It?
Brown, J. (2018). 9 Ways to Find Affordable Vet Care for your Cat. Retrieved from Catster: https://
www.catster.com/cat-health-care/affordable-vet-care-for-your-cat
DVM, E. W. (2009). Kitten- Raising Kittens. Retrieved from VCA Hospitals: https://vcahospitals.com/know-
your-pet/kitten-raising-kittens
Munkevics, M. (2014). Would you Know if your Cat was Dehydrated. Retrieved from Pet-Happy: https://
www.pet-happy.com/would-you-know-if-your-cat-is-dehydrated/
Purina. (n.d.). Purina Fecal Scoring Chart. Retrieved from ProPlan Veterinary Diets: https://
www.proplanveterinarydiets.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/PPPVD-Fecal-Scoring-Chart-EN-
FINAL.pdf
Rainbolt, D. (2014, April). Ask Einstein: How Do You Bottle Feed and Orphan Kitten? Retrieved from Catster:
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-kitten-health-care-bottle-feeding-orphan-ask-einstein
Rescue, K. (2009). Sexing The Kitten. Retrieved from Kitten Rescue: http://www.kitten-rescue.com/
sexing_the_kitten.html
Rudolph, L. W. (2016). Assessing Patient Hydration. Retrieved from Clinicians Brief: https://
www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/assessing-patient-hydration
Shaw, H. (2018). Bottle Feeding. Retrieved from Kitten Lady: http://www.kittenlady.org/bottlefeeding/
Shaw, H. (2018). Feeding Kittens. Retrieved from Kitten Lady: http://www.kittenlady.org/feeding/
Shaw, H. (2018). Stimulating Kittens. Retrieved from Kitten Lady: http://www.kittenlady.org/stimulating
Shaw, H. (2018). Weaning Kittens. Retrieved from Kitten Lady: http://www.kittenlady.org/weaning
Special thanks to all Foothills Animal Shelter Foster Families for their amazing pictures and constant
patience with our kittens.
Thank you to Tance and Susan for your amazing input on the creation of this guidebook!
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