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NASHVILLE HUMANE ASSOCIATION

KITTEN FOSTERING GUIDE

(last updated 2/28/2019)

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Dear Foster Family,

You are about to embark on a memorable and live-saving adventure! Thank you for

opening your home and heart to orphan kittens. Fostering orphaned kittens is rewarding process

that saves thousands of lives in our community each year, and we are thrilled to have you on

board! These kittens are typically only placed in foster homes until they are big enough to

undergo spay/neuter surgery. We encourage fosters to take more than one kitten at a time to

help promote socialization and normal behavioral growth. Kittens are not only fun, they can also

self-entertain! We will always help you find a foster situation that works best for you and your

family. Oh, and foster families get first choice to adopt their foster pet. See you soon!

Sincerely,

Nashville Humane Association Foster Team

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Get Ready and Get Set!

Preparing the foster room ......4

Go! Kitty Care

Heating …………...…...5

Feeding ……........……...5

Elimination ………....…..5

Cleaning ………...............5

Socialization ……….........6

Litter Box Training …...…..6

Foster Rechecks ……...…7

Kitten Development ……......7

Neonate Feeding

Type of Food ………...…7

Feeding Etiquette ……......8

Weaning ………….…...8

Cleaning Equipment ….….8

Fostering Moms

Bringing Moms Home ….....9

Socialization …………...9

Mom and her Kittens …….9

Maintaining Kitten Health Taking

Maintaining Kitten Health

Measuring Growth ……....10

Diarrhea ……………....10

Parasites ……………...10

Vomiting ……………....11

Eye Discharge ………….11

Ear Mites ……………...11

Fleas ……………….....11

Ringworm …….………..11

Upper Respiratory ….....…12

Fading Kittens ………….12

Veterinary Care

Routine Vet Care ………..13

Rechecks and Vaccines …...13

The Finishing Line!

Spay/Neuter Surgery …….14

The Day of Surgery ……....14

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GET READY AND GET SET!

Preparing the Kitty Room

Before you bring home your kittens, make sure that you have a suitable place for them to stay. A

bathroom or extra bedroom often works well. The kitten room should adhere to the following

guidelines:

A temperature controlled space (no garage or outside housing)

Separate from other pets

Can withstand kitty messes including litter box accidents, vomit, spilled water, etc.

No breakable items

Electrical outlets and wires covered or blocked

No small items the kittens could choke on (strings, rubberbands, ribbon, etc)

Secured windows and appliances (toilet lids closed, etc), and vent covers

Diagram provided by Charleston Animal Society

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GO! Kitty Care

Heating

It is important to keep the kittens warm! However, it is also important that kittens have space to

move away from a heat source. Covering a heating pad with a towel (never direct contact with

animal, always on lowest setting) or warm rice sock with a towel works well. Be sure that the

heat source only covers part of the area. Small litters of single kittens need more help staying

warm. Heat rice socks in microwave for 1 minute maximum – this will provide up to an hour of

warmth.

Elimination

Young kittens (3 weeks or less) often need help urinating and defecating. To do so, gently rub a

warm cloth or cotton pad on the anus and genital areas immediately after a feeding. This will

stimulate kittens to urinate and/or defecate into the cloth or cotton pad. If a mother cat is present

she will stimulate the kittens, and you will not need to do so. Please call Foster Coordinator if

need be.

Cleaning

Kittens are usually groomed by their mother. In the absence of the mother, you must work hard

to keep the kittens clean.

Dried feces in the fur can be removed by using a flea comb.

Use a warm damp cloth to stroke the kittens’ fur. This stimulates how a mother cat would

groom her kittens.

A small amount of dawn soap on the warm, damp cloth will help to remove any lingering

dirt or fleas that may be present. This is only done once a week at most.

Dipping dirty feet or tails in warm water can help clean up any debris.

Dry kittens well so they stay warm!

Pro-tip!

When playing with your kittens, use toys instead of your hand as this will prevent your kitten

from thinking you are a toy or scratching post.

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Socialization

Socialization is a very important part of kitten care. It is your job to convince kittens that humans

are kind and loving! Allow all kittens to acclimate to their new environment before trying to play

with them – this usually takes about 1 day. Outgoing kittens can and should be cuddled and

played with! Shy kittens need to have many short encounters to encourage them that humans are

friendly. Hold them calmly and talk to them in a comforting voice. You can repeat this often for

about 30 seconds each time. Fearful kittens will run away from you when you approach. Simply

sit on the floor calmly and wait for them to come to you. Use a calming voice and stroke them

gently.

Litter Box Training

Use a low box (think cake pan size) with an inch of clumping litter or shredded newspaper. After

feeding, place the kitten in the litter box. Take her paw and gently scratch the litter. Give lots of

praise when they are successful! Keep the litter box clean and away from the food area. Scoop

litter multiple times a day to maintain a clean environment.

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Foster Rechecks

Fosters will need to come in every 2 weeks for a weigh-in and any necessary vaccines or

dewormer. Neonates will be scheduled to come in weekly to track their progress.

Kitten Development

In the first few weeks of life, kittens are vulnerable. They are still developing basic reflexes and

they are unable to properly control their body temperatures. They should be confined to a

nursery area and should not be allowed to mingle with your pets. Keeping the kittens clean from

food and feces is vital for his or her health. If you notice your kitten has food, urine, or feces on

him or her gently wipe the kitten down with a warm damp cloth or unscented baby wipe. Make

sure to dry appropriately so they stay warm.

Pro-tip!

Kittens sleep 18-20 hours per day.

Neonate Feeding – Type of food

Never give a neonate kitten anything other than their specific formula (this will be provided by

us)! Kittens under 3 weeks old are fed liquid formula. The formula can come in pre-mixed liquid or

powder forms – the powder formula must be mixed for feedings and it is important to closely

follow directions. The ratio is one part powder into two parts warm water. If not done correctly it

can cause gastrointestinal upset. After a feeding, unused liquid formula can be stored for up to

three days in the refrigerator for future feedings. Once opened, place powder in refrigerator.

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Feeding Etiquette

Only use clean nipples and bottles provided by NHA (do not tamper with opening)

Feed kittens one at a time. Allow them to feed with all four paws on the surface with a

level head. Do not feed kittens on their backs!

Gently open the kitten’s mouth and place the nipple on the tongue. Tilt the bottle up

slightly and pull lightly on the bottle – this promotes strong sucking.

Do NOT squeeze the bottle to force formula into the kitten’s mouth.

After feeding, burp your kitty by gently massaging their back and stimulate him or her to

urinate and/or defecate.

Alert Foster Coordinator if you see milk coming from nose.

Helpful video: www.maddiesfund.org/orphaned-kitten-care-how-to.htm

Weaning

Weaning can occur at 4 weeks and should be conducted gradually. Create a gruel by mixing

warmed canned food with water. It may take a few tries for kittens to understand! If they are not

interested, wait a few days and try again (continue bottle feeding in the mean time). Gradually

thicken it by adding less water. You can also begin to introduce dry food on a free feeding basis.

Cleaning Equipment

Maintaining clean nursing bottles and supplies is vital in preventing diarrhea, vomiting, or

infection. Cleaning the bottles and nursing nipples is easy – use hot, soapy water and clean the

bottle with a bottle brush. You may also wash the supplies by placing them in the silverware rack

of the dishwasher and run them through a cycle.

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Fostering Moms

When you first bring mom and kittens home, leave them alone in their new space. Mom will need

some time to adjust to her new space, which could take a few days. Be sure to offer mom fresh

food, water, and clean litter box away from kittens (higher up). Stress can cause moms to stop

taking care of their kittens so set them up in a quiet, uneventful space in the home.

Socialization

Adult cats need socialization – however, proceed slowly with any mother cat. Create situations

for socialization but let her come to you. Stop the session if you notice any negative signs – such

as swishing of tail, ears laid back, head jerking toward you, tensing up, cranky meow, moving

away, or hissing or growling.

Mom and Her Kittens

For the first few weeks, mom will do everything necessary to take care of her kittens. Kittens

start nursing very soon after birth. Mom will also groom her kittens. Leave mama cat and her

crew alone for the first two weeks except to feed, clean, and check on the family a few times a

day.

Pro-tip!

Watch for signs of maternal neglect – if you notice the mama cat avoids feeding and grooming

her kittens, and ignores their cries – call your Foster Coordinator.

Never use essential oils around animals!

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Maintaining Kitten Health

Measuring growth

It is important that kittens are weighed so we can monitor their growth and development.

Neonate kittens should be weighed daily to ensure growth and weight gain. Kittens over 4 weeks

of age are weighed once a week. If you notice your kitten has remained the same weight, lost

weight, or is not growing as it should be, please call your Foster Coordinator.

Diarrhea

There are three types of cat stool: normal, soft and diarrhea. Normal stool is firm and has a

definite shape. Diarrhea is liquid, with or without color to it. Diarrhea is common in kittens and

can be caused by parasites, viruses, bacteria, food changes, stress, overfeeding and other issues.

That being said, please alert your Foster Coordinator if you notice diarrhea.

Parasites

Kittens can sometimes get tapeworms either in their feces or on their anus. These look like

grains of rice. Roundworms look like spaghetti and can be seen in the litter box or in vomit.

Please alert your Foster Coordinator if you see worms or believe your foster has parasites.

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Vomiting

Vomiting is not serious unless it happens continuously. It can lead to dehydration. If vomiting

occurs 2-3 times in a row, or more than 2 times in one day, call your Foster Coordinator right

away.

Eye Discharge

It is normal for kittens to have little pieces of crust in their eyes after waking up. If you see

continuous yellow/green discharge, or swollen or closed eyes with discharge, notify your Foster

Coordinator. You can use a warm, damp towel to wipe the affected eye(s). Do not apply any

medications unless directly indicated.

Ear Mites

Ear mites are parasites that live in the ear canal. You may notice a bald spot behind ears due to

continuous scratching. They may also violently shake their head. The ears may smell bad and you

may see brown discharge that resembles coffee grounds. Ear mites are contagious to other cats

and need to be treated. Call your Foster Coordinator if you think your kitten or cat may have ear

mites. This is another good reason to keep your fosters separate from your personal pets.

Fleas

Kittens that have fleas will scratch themselves often. Topical and oral flea prevention are given

to kittens over 4 weeks of age. Flea prevention for kittens under 4 weeks includes faily brushing

with the flea comb and daily bedding changes. If you still notice signs of fleas, you can wash the

kittens in a small amount of dawn dish soap followed by using a flea comb to remove any

remaining fleas. Be sure to thoroughly dry the kitten following a bath. Baths should not be given

more than once every 1-2 weeks. If you still notice signs of fleas, call your Foster Coordinator.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a contagious fungus that can spread to other animals and humans. A sign of

ringworm is thinning hair or circular patches of hair loss. Ringworm is difficult to remove from

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your house. To help with prevention and to prevent spreading, maintain cleaning protocols and a

good hand washing routine. Some cats can be carriers of ringworm without symptoms. There are

also other causes of hair loss. Call your Foster Coordinator if you notice any hair loss.

Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

URIs are common and are caused by contagious viruses and bacteria. Signs to look for include:

Sneezing and green/yellow discharge from eyes/nose

Congested breathing - the use of a humidifier (no additives) in the kittens’ room will help

Loss of appetite

Lethargy (lack of energy)

Dehydration

Contact your Foster Coordinator if you see any of these signs.

Fading Kittens

Occasionally, a kitten that appeared healthy will suddenly stop thriving. They will stop growing,

socializing, and crawling around. They will begin to lose weight and may cry continuously. When

this happens, they fade quickly and even with medical intervention, may not survive more than

48 hours. There is no understood cause for this condition. Occasionally, kittens do die in foster

care despite best efforts.

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Veterinary Care

Routine Veterinary Care

Vet care for fosters is provided by the veterinary staff at Nashville Humane Association during

normal business hours. The Coordinator will work directly with the shelter vet staff to manage

the health and well-being of each foster pet or litter. After hours, the emergency line number is

available to you to call for life-threatening situations. Nashville Humane’s policy states that we

will not reimburse individuals for vet bills for foster animals when taken for veterinary care

outside of pre-authorized visits by Nashville Humane Association staff. Be sure you are keeping

your foster kittens away from any other animals in the home.

Scheduling Rechecks and

Vaccines

Foster animals are required to

return to the shelter every two

weeks for vaccinations, deworming,

and weigh ins. These appointments

will be scheduled with your Foster

Coordinator. Kittens receive

vaccines every two weeks from the

time they are 6 weeks of age until

they are 12 weeks or unless otherwise directed by our veterinarians. Kittens 12 weeks and older

will receive a rabies vaccination.

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THE FINISH LINE!

Spay/Neuter Surgery

During a scheduled visit, the staff may decide to accept the pet or litter back for adoption if they

are healthy enough and weigh enough. If this is the case, surgery may be schedule that same day

or for a later day. Our veterinary staff uses the following guidelines to determine when the

foster animal is ready to be returned for surgery:

Did the kittens gain enough weight for surgery?

Are they successfully weaned from their mother?

Have they been socialized?

Is there room on the adoption floor?

The Day of Surgery

You may be asked to withhold food from your foster kittens if they are anticipating surgery on

the day of return. It is okay to offer water. All plans for final drop off should be coordinated in

advance with your Foster Coordinator.