๐Ÿพ Start Here: Foster Setup Essentials

Isolation & Environment

๏ปฟ


  • Keep kittens in a room separate from your pets.
  • Choose a space that can be easily disinfected, preferably without carpet.
  • Clean all supplies between litters.
  • Do not allow foster kittens to roam freely in your home.


Supplies: Neonatal Kittens


  • Lidless plastic tote
  • Heat source (heated disc provided)
  • Soft blankets
  • Stuffed toy for single babies
  • Breeder’s Edge Foster Care feline milk replacer
  • Bottles and Miracle nipples
  • Bottle brush
  • Baby wipes or tissues
  • Food scale to weigh kitten
  • 3–5cc syringes


Supplies: Kittens Over 3 Weeks Old

  • Covered playpen
  • Blankets
  • Shallow litter box
  • Non-clumping litter
  • Toys
  • Bed or hideaway
  • Food and water dishes
  • Disposable trays for wet food
  • Purina Kitten Chow
  • Fancy Feast wet kitten food
  • 5 cc syringes


๐Ÿฅฃ Feeding & Growth

Proper feeding and weight monitoring are critical for healthy growth.
Use the chart below as a guide for feeding amounts and frequency.

Age Weight Amount Per Feeding Schedule
0-1 Weeks 50-150 grams 2-6 ml Every 2 Hours
1-2 Weeks 150-250 grams 6-10 ml Every 2-3 hours
2-3 Weeks 250-350 grams 10-14 ml Every 3-4 hours
3-4 Weeks 350-450 grams 14-18 ml Every 4-5 hours
4-5 weeks 450-550 grams 18-22 ml Every 5-6 hours
5-8 weeks 550-850 grams (weaning; offer ample wet food) every 6 hours

Key Feeding Notes

  • Weigh kittens regularly to ensure proper growth.
  • Feeding amounts should be adjusted based on weight and appetite.
  • As kittens begin eating solid food, bottle feeding will decrease.


Weaning Transition

As kittens approach 4–5 weeks:

  • Introduce wet kitten food.
  • Gradually reduce bottle feedings.
  • Provide access to fresh water.


๐Ÿฉบ Health Monitoring & When to Contact CAC

Monitor at Home

Continue normal care and monitoring if kittens are active, eating, and behaving normally.

Contact a Cat Tech

Contact a cat tech if you notice:

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Sneezing
  • Eye discharge
  • Not eating


Emergency Situations

If a kitten is severely injured or at risk of death:

  • Contact the director for approval before seeking emergency veterinary care.
  • The shelter is equipped to handle most medical needs the following morning.

Possible Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

If a kitten is weak, lethargic, or unresponsive:

  • Rub Karo syrup on the kitten’s gums.
  • Keep the kitten warm.
  • Contact a cat tech immediately.


๐ŸŽฅ Training Videos & Learning Resources

Use the sections below to find setup guidance, feeding information, health protocols, and quick access to forms, documents, and training videos.

๐Ÿ“ž Foster Support & Contact

If you need assistance, use the contacts and request options below. We are here to support you and your foster animals.

Foster Team

For general questions, updates, or support.

๐Ÿ“ง
๐Ÿ“ž (208)772-4019


Cat Tech

For medical concerns such as illness, not eating, or behavior changes.

๐Ÿ“ง (insert email)
๐Ÿ“ž (insert phone number)

Center Manager (Emergency Approval Only)

For severe injury or life-threatening emergencies requiring veterinary care.

๐Ÿ“ž (insert phone number)


Common Requests