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Newborns
Newborns
Newborns typically weigh between 80 and 120 grams when they are born. They still have their umbilical cord attached, and their eyes and ears are closed. They cannot see or hear and rely solely on scent.
At around 3-5 days, their umbilical cords fall off on their own and their ears begin to open.
1 week
1 week
At 1 week old kittens typically weigh between 150 and 250 grams. Their eyes begin to open between 7 and 10 days, and they have tiny cub ears, which can finally hear. They will try to wriggle and inch around, but they are not quite mobile yet.
2 weeks
2 weeks
At 2 weeks old, kittens usually weight between 250 and 350 grams. They begin to crawl around at this age, but a small carrier or tote is perfect for keeping them close to their heating pad. Their eyes are open, and their ears are open and rounded.
3 weeks
3 weeks
At 3 weeks kittens will start trying to walk around, but they may be a bit wobbly. Their teeth begin to emerge, with canines beginning to emerge between 3.5 and 4 weeks. Their ears become more erect, but may have a little floppiness at the tip. The kittens are ready to transition to gruel once all four canines have erupted.
4 weeks
4 weeks
Kittens are learning to eat gruel on their own at this stage and may need some help from you. At this age they are a lot more mobile and will start eliminating on their own. They will also begin playing with each other. Be sure to stay on top of your kittens' vaccination schedule. Since we now vaccinate kittens at intake regardless of age, kittens under 6 weeks old generally need to come in for booster appointments. Be sure to check your welcome email and vaccine reminders from your mentor!
Bottle baby-specific supplies
Bottle baby-specific supplies
In addition to the supplies required for all neonatal litters, you will also need a few extras if you foster bottle babies. Please be sure to have the following items before taking bottle babies home!
Kitten formula powder. We use Shelter's Choice brand at the nursery, which is available online and at the nursery. You can also use Breeder's Edge; the two formulas are interchangeable.
1 cc syringes to supplement (we will provide you with these)
Nipple and baby bottle
Unscented baby wipes
Bottle babies are so small that they don't need a lot of space! They are happy with a cat carrier or tote (with a heating pad inside!).
Want to foster bottle baby kittens?
Want to foster bottle baby kittens?
Watch this short video covering all the basics of fostering bottle baby kittens
Please note that our feeding protocols have been updated slightly since this video was filmed. The process shown is the same, but please refer to the relevant Feeding Your Kittens section for the updated feeding amounts and frequencies.
Fostering Basics - Bottle Babies.mp4Page updated
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