Foster Kit List By Kitten Age
The Neonatal Kit: 1-3 Weeks of Age
Kitten Milk Replacer: Powdered formula for stability and digestion.
Nursing Bottles & Miracle Nipples: Essential tools to prevent formula aspiration.
Digital Scale: Must measure precisely in grams and ounces for daily weight tracking.
Reliable Heat Source: Snuggle Safe microwavable disc or a pet heating pad without an auto shut-off.
Safe Bedding: Soft microfleece blankets (avoid terry cloth to prevent trapped claws).
Elimination Aids: White cotton rounds and unscented baby wipes for gently stimulating urination & defecation. Toilet paper is also fine.
Medical: Pediatric rectal thermometer, Karo Syrup or Nutrical, and probiotics.
Biosecurity (Fosters with Multiple Litters): Disposable gloves, and a shelter-approved disinfectant such as accelerated hydrogen peroxide (like Rescue®) or Calcium Hypochloride.
The Transitional Kit: 3-4 Weeks of Age
Weaning Foods: High-quality canned kitten wet food to blend with warm milk replacer (creating a “slurry”). Include some dry food to offer such as Royal Canin Mother and Babycat.
Feeding Dishes: Very shallow saucers or small plates.
Litter Training Supplies: Low-sided, shallow litter pan (e.g., disposable foil baking pan or shelter’s cardboard litter trays).
Litter: Non-clumping litter, disposable litter box, and Pee Pads.
Probiotics: To support the gut microbiome and manage transitional diarrhea.
Hygiene: Unscented baby wipes and original blue Dawn dish soap for gentle, localized cleaning.
The Weaning & Socialization Kit: 4-6 Weeks of Age
Nutrition: High-quality canned kitten food and dry kitten kibble. Kittens may choose just one as a primary food source.
Hydration: A heavy, shallow, tip-proof water bowl.
Grooming Basics: Toothbrush or small, soft-bristle brush.
Enrichment & Socialization: Safe, interactive toys (crinkle balls, jingle balls, small cardboard scratchers).
Housing: Medium-to-large pop-up fabric playpen or a kitten-proofed room/bathroom.
Litter: Shallow litter box and litter
Kitten Kit Supplies for Common Concerns
Thank you for opening your heart and home to these little ones! These special items to help you safely treat common kitten concerns at home.
Karo Syrup, Honey or Nutri-Cal – For a quick energy boost!
Sometimes, little kittens can experience low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can make them act slow, sleepy, or lethargic. This gives their bloodstream the quick sugar boost it needs!
- How to use: Place a single drop inside the kitten’s mouth or gently rub it along their gum line.
- Cozy Check! Always ensure the kitten is warm by placing them on the supplemental heating pad provided in your kit.
- For Nursing Kittens: Add 1/4 of a packet directly into their formula bottle. Shake the bottle to mix well.
- For Weaned Kittens: Sprinkle one whole packet over their wet food.
- Cozy Check! Just like above, please ensure your kittens remain nice and warm by using a supplemental heating pad.
