• Eyes fully open (blue color)
• Hearing develops
• Baby teeth emerge
• Beginning to play and explore their surroundings

Juvenile Period (7-12 Weeks):

• Weaning is typically complete
• Litter box trained
• Ready for adoption into new homes
• Critical social learning continues

Physical Characteristics

Birth Weight:

• Average: 3-4 ounces (85-115 grams)
• Should double by 1 week
• Should triple by 3 weeks
• Daily weight gain: 1/4 to 1/2 ounce

Temperature Regulation:

• Cannot self-regulate body temperature until 3-4 weeks
• Require consistent external heat sources
• Cold kittens cannot properly digest food
• Hypothermia is a life-threatening emergency

Essential Supplies

Must-Have Items

Recommended Brands

Milk Replacers:

• KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer): Most widely available and trusted
• Breeder's Edge Foster Care: Premium option with added nutrients
• PetAg Esbilac: Reliable alternative formula

Feeding Equipment:

• Pet Nurser bottles
• Miracle Nipple (often easiest for kittens to latch onto)
• 1cc syringes for very small or weak kittens

Creating the Right Environment

Nest Setup

Container:

• Use a large cardboard box or plastic storage bin
• High sides prevent wandering and drafts
• Should be easy to clean and disinfect
• Provide space for the mother cat if she is present

Bedding:

• Soft, washable blankets or towels
• Avoid loose threads (entanglement risk)
• Use multiple layers for easy changing
• Do not use cedar or pine shavings (toxic oils)

Heating:

• Place a heating pad on the LOW setting
• Cover with several layers of towels
• Position the pad under only half of the nest
• This allows kittens to move away if they become too warm

Temperature Requirements

Warning Signs:

• Too Cold: Lethargy, cold to the touch, persistent crying, refusal to eat
• Too Hot: Panting, restlessness, spreading out away from the heat source

Feeding Newborn Kittens

Milk Replacer Preparation

Mixing Instructions:

1. Use room temperature or slightly warm water
2. Mix powder according to package directions precisely
3. Refrigerate mixed formula (maximum 24 hours)
4. Warm to approximately 100°F (38°C) before feeding
5. Never microwave (creates dangerous hot spots)
6. Test temperature on your wrist, like baby formula

Feeding Schedule:

Bottle Feeding Technique

Positioning is Critical:

• Never feed kittens on their backs
• Place them on their stomachs with head slightly elevated
• Mimic the natural nursing position
• This supports proper swallowing and prevents aspiration

Bottle Preparation:

• Cut the nipple hole to an appropriate size
• It should drip slowly when inverted
• Too large: High risk of aspiration (milk entering lungs)
• Too small: Causes frustration and air swallowing

Feeding Process:

1. Warm formula to body temperature (approx. 100°F)
2. Position the kitten properly
3. Allow the kitten to suckle at its own pace
4. Burp gently after feeding by holding upright and patting the back
5. Never force-feed or rush the process

Amount Guidelines:

• Feed until the kitten stops actively suckling
• General rule: 8 ml of formula per ounce of body weight per day
• Divide the total daily amount into scheduled feedings
• Small, frequent meals are better than large, infrequent ones

Common Feeding Problems

Aspiration (Milk in Lungs):

• Signs: Coughing, sneezing, or gasping during/after feeding
• Immediate Action: Stop feeding, hold kitten upside down, tap gently on back, contact a veterinarian immediately

Diarrhea:

• Often caused by overfeeding or improperly mixed formula
• Check mixing ratios carefully
• May require probiotic supplements (consult a vet)
• Monitor closely for signs of dehydration

Constipation:

• Hard, dry stools or no stool production
• Increase hydration (offer a drop of water on gums between feeds)
• Gentle tummy massage in a clockwise motion
• Call a vet if no stool for 48 hours

Refusing the Bottle:

• Check formula temperature
• Try a different nipple style (e.g., Miracle Nipple)
• Rule out underlying illness
• May require temporary syringe feeding (be extremely careful)

Elimination Stimulation

Why Stimulation is Necessary

Newborn kittens cannot urinate or defecate on their own. A mother cat stimulates elimination by licking. Without this assistance, waste products build up and become toxic, which can be fatal.

Stimulation Technique

Supplies Needed:

• Soft cloth, cotton ball, or gauze pad
• Warm water
• Gentle touch

Process:

1. Dampen the cloth with warm water
2. Gently rub the genital and anal area
3. Use a soft, circular motion
4. Continue until the kitten eliminates
5. Clean the area thoroughly and dry the kitten completely

Schedule:

• Before each feeding
• After each feeding
• Anytime the kitten seems restless or uncomfortable

What to Expect:

• Urine: Pale yellow, should be produced at every stimulation
• Stool: Yellowish-brown, toothpaste-like consistency
• Frequency: Should defecate at least once per day

Warning Signs:

• Blood in urine or stool
• No urine production for 12+ hours
• No stool for 48+ hours
• Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours

Health Monitoring

Daily Checklist

Weight:

• Weigh at the same time each day
• Should gain 1/4 to 1/2 ounce (7-14 grams) daily
• Weight loss is a medical emergency
• Use a digital kitchen scale for gram-level precision

Temperature:

• Rectal temperature: 97-99°F (36-37°C) in the first week
• Gradually rises to adult temperature (100-102°F) by 4 weeks
• Low temperature is a priority emergency

Hydration:

• Skin should spring back immediately when gently pinched
• Gums should be moist and pink
• Eyes should not appear sunken

Activity Level:

• Should be active and vocal when awake
• Good muscle tone
• Strong, persistent cry when hungry

Growth Milestones

Week 1: Eyes closed, ears folded, crawling only, sleeping constantly. Week 2: Eyes begin opening (slits), ears unfolding, attempting to stand. Week 3: Eyes fully open (blue), ears erect, wobbly walking, beginning to play. Week 4: Hearing develops, baby teeth emerge, playing with siblings, exploring. Weeks 5-6: Running, pouncing, playing with toys, using litter box, starting solids. Weeks 7-8: Fully weaned, eating independently, social skills solidifying, ready for adoption.

Common Health Issues

Fading Kitten Syndrome

Warning Signs:

• Lethargy and profound weakness
• Inability to latch and nurse
• Low body temperature
• Constant, weak crying
• Failure to gain or actual weight loss

Immediate Actions:

1. Warm the kitten slowly (not too quickly)
2. Check for dehydration (skin tenting)
3. Rub a small amount of sugar water or Karo syrup on the gums
4. Contact a veterinarian immediately
5. May require subcutaneous fluids (administered by a vet)

Prevention:

• Maintain strict hygiene (clean bottles, hands, bedding)
• Perfect feeding technique and schedule
• Meticulous temperature maintenance
• Early intervention at the first sign of trouble

Hypothermia

Signs: Cold to the touch, extreme lethargy, refusal to eat, weak or absent cry.

Treatment:

1. Gradual warming over 1-2 hours is crucial
2. Use warm water bottles wrapped in towels
3. Heating pad on low under half the nest
4. NEVER feed a cold kitten (their digestive system shuts down)
5. Emergency veterinary care if severe

Dehydration

Signs: Skin "tenting" (stays up when pinched), dry/sticky gums, sunken eyes, lethargy.

Treatment:

• Offer unflavored Pedialyte between formula feedings
• Subcutaneous fluids (must be administered by a vet)
• Increase feeding frequency with properly mixed formula
• Address the underlying cause (diarrhea, overheating, etc.)

Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)

Signs: Sneezing, nasal discharge (clear or colored), eye discharge ("crusty" eyes), loss of appetite.

Treatment:

• Requires veterinary-prescribed antibiotics
• Keep eyes and nose clean with a warm, damp cloth
• Use a humidifier in the room to ease breathing
• Isolate from other cats to prevent spread

Weaning Process (4-8 Weeks)

Introduction to Solid Food

Week 4:

• Begin offering "kitten gruel"
• Mix KMR with high-quality, pate-style canned kitten food
• Start with a 3:1 ratio (formula to food)
• Offer on a shallow saucer or plate

Week 5:

• Thicken the gruel to a mushier consistency
• Move to a 2:1 ratio
• Offer 3-4 times daily
• Continue to supplement with bottle feedings

Week 6:

• Mash food with much less liquid
• Begin leaving a small amount of dry kitten kibble available
• Significantly reduce bottle feedings
• Most kittens will be eating independently

Weeks 7-8:

• Should be fully weaned
• Eating solid kitten food exclusively
• Drinking water from a shallow bowl
• Socially ready for new homes

Litter Box Training

Starting at 3-4 Weeks:

• Place a very shallow litter box in the nest/play area
• Use only non-clumping, unscented litter (kittens may ingest it)
• Gently place the kitten in the box after meals and naps
• Take their front paw and gently scratch the litter

Tips for Success:

• Keep the box immaculately clean
• Praise enthusiastically for successful use
• If accidents happen, place the waste in the litter box
• Be patient—accidents are a normal part of the learning process

Cost Breakdown (2026 Estimates)

Initial Setup Costs

Recurring Weekly Costs

Veterinary Costs

Emergency Situations

When to Call the Vet Immediately

• Not eating for 12+ hours
• Any weight loss or failure to gain for 24 hours
• Diarrhea accompanied by lethargy
• Constipation (no stool for 48 hours)
• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or gasping
• Extreme lethargy (unresponsive to touch)
• Vomiting
• Bloated or painfully distended abdomen
• Eye infection (swelling, pus, sealed shut)
• Any sudden, dramatic change in behavior or condition

24-Hour Emergency Protocol

1. Keep your veterinarian's emergency number saved and accessible.
2. Know the location and route to the nearest 24-hour emergency animal clinic.
3. Have a carrier and transportation ready at all times.
4. Keep the kitten warm during transport using a wrapped heat source.
5. Note all symptoms and their timeline to give the vet a clear history.

Finding Responsible Homes for Kittens

Timing the Adoption

• Earliest Recommended Age: 8 weeks old (fully weaned and litter trained)
• Iale Age: 10-12 weeks (allows for better social skill development)
• Legal Check: Some states or municipalities have laws requiring a minimum age (often 8 weeks)

Preparation for Adoption

Before the Adoption:

• First veterinary wellness check completed
• Age-appropriate deworming
• First set of vaccinations (usually at 8 weeks)
• Discuss the importance of spay/neuter with the adopter

Create an Adoption Packet:

• Copy of all veterinary records
• Detailed feeding schedule and food brand used
• Type of litter the kitten is accustomed to
• Your veterinarian's contact information
• Comprehensive care instructions for the first few weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I give newborn kittens cow's milk?

No. Cow's milk is not digestible for kittens and causes severe diarrhea, dehydration, and malnutrition. Use only commercial kitten milk replacer.

How do I know if the kittens are getting enough milk?

They should gain weight daily, have round (not sunken) bellies after feeding, and be content, quiet, and sleeping peacefully between feedings.

What if the mother cat rejects one of the kittens?

Remove the rejected kitten immediately, keep it warm, and begin hand-feeding. Rejection can sometimes indicate the kitten is unwell, so a veterinary check is advisable.

When can kittens start drinking water?

Around 4 weeks of age, when you begin the weaning process. Until then, they receive all necessary hydration from the formula.

How do I tell if a kitten is male or female?

Gently lift the tail. Males have a greater distance between the anus and the genital opening, which appears round. Females have a slit-like genital opening very close to the anus.

Can I hold newborn kittens too much?

If the mother is present and caring for them, handle minimally for the first week. Once their eyes open (around 2 weeks), regular, gentle handling is beneficial for socialization.

Conclusion

Caring for newborn kittens is a profound commitment that requires dedication, meticulous attention to detail, and round-the-clock care. While undeniably challenging, the reward of guiding these fragile beings into healthy, playful companions is immense.

Remember, the first 48 hours are the most critical. When in doubt, always contact your veterinarian. Early intervention is the single most important factor in saving lives. By providing proper nutrition, consistent warmth, strict hygiene, and an abundance of love, you can give orphaned or vulnerable kittens the strongest foundation for a long, healthy, and happy life.

Your efforts during these pivotal early weeks shape their future.

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. Newborn kittens are fragile and can deteriorate rapidly. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment of any health concerns or emergencies.