Bottle Kitten Rescue Resources
Bottle Feeding Kitten Resources
Found Stray Kittens? Start Here.
Very young kittens need warmth, nutrution, and frequent care. If their mother cannot be found or is unable to care for them, use this guide for temporary care while you contact a rescue group or experienced kitten foster.
Our hospital cannot take stray kittens into our care, but we want to help you keep them safe while you find placement.
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1. Keep them Warm
Warmth comes first.
Keep kittens in a warm, dry, draft-free box or carrier. Use a pet-safe heating pad or other gentle heat source, making sure the kittens can move away from the heat.
Never feed a cold kitten. A chilled kitten may not be able to digest food properly and can become critically ill. Warm the kitten first and contact a veterinarian if it is weak, limp, or unresponsive.
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2. Feed Kitten Milk Replacer
Use commercial kitten milk replacer and follow the feeding directions on the product.
DO
- Warm the formula to approximately body temperature
- Hold the kitten belly-down, with its head in a natural position
- Let the kitten suckle at its own pace
- Keep the bottles and nipples clean
- Weigh kittens daily if possible
DON'T
- Give cow's milk
- Feed a kitten on its back
- Squeexe formula into the kitten's mouth
- Force-feed a weak or unresponsive kitten
If formula comes from the kitten's nose, stop feeding immediately and contact a veterinarian. The kitten may have inhaled formula into its lungs.
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3. Young Kittens Need Frequent Care
Very young kittens may need to eat around the clock. Feeding amounts and frequency depend on the kitten's age, weight, health, and the formula being used.
Follow the formula manufacturer's instructions and ask a veterinarian or experienced neonatal-kitten foster for help establishing a feeding schedule.
A small kitchen scale can be very helpful. Daily weight gain is an important sign that a kitten is doing well.
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4. Help Tiny Kittens Go to the Bathroom
Kittens younger than about 3-4 weeks may need help urinating and defecating.
After feeding, gently stimuate the genital and anal area with a warm, damp cotton ball or soft cloth. Keep the kitten clean and dry afterwards.
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When to Get Veterinary Help
Contact a veterinarian promptly if a kitten:
- Is cold, limp, or difficult to wake
- Will not eat or cannot suckle
- Has trouble breathing
- Has formula coming from its nose
- has repeated vomiting or severe diarrhea
- Is extremely weak or unresponsive
- Is losing weight or failing to gain weight
- Has an obvious injury or significant bleeding
Young kittens can deteriorate very quickly. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
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5. Keep Them Away From Other Pets
Until they have been evaluated, keep stray kittens separated from your household pets. They can carry parasites or contagious illnesses.
Never use flea medication without checking with a veterinarian first. Many flea products are unsafe for very young kittens.
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6. Start Looking for a Rescue Immediately
Bottle-fed kittens require intensive care, so begin contacting:
- Local cat and kitten rescue groups
- Humane societies and shelters
- Experienced neonatal-kitten foster volunteers
- Local animal welfare organizations
When asking for help, provide the kittens' number, estimated age, weight, location, health concerns, and how long you can provide temporary care.
Keep a simple feeding and weight log and send it with the kittens when they are transferred.
The goal is temporary care.
The sooner an experienced foster can take over, the better. Thank you for helping give these kittens a safe start.
Contact a Local Rescue Group:
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