The Foster Handbook

When in doubt, call. Reach the foster lead first; use the emergency vet and poison control for urgent medical situations.

A simple daily check keeps small problems from becoming emergencies. Track these for every foster.

• Weight (grams) — record each morning for kittens under 8 weeks.
• Appetite — ate well / partial / refused, and which meals.
• Litter box — normal stool / loose / none.
• Energy level — playful / quiet / lethargic.
• Hydration — gums pink and moist; skin tent normal.
• Notes — any vomiting, sneezing, discharge, or behavior change.

Socialized kittens adopt faster and adjust better to their forever homes. Move at each kitten’s pace.

1. 1 · Settle In

   Give new fosters a quiet, small space (a bathroom is perfect). Let them decompress for 24–48 hours before introducing anything new.

2. 2 · Build Trust

   Sit on the floor at their level. Offer food from your hand or a spoon. Let them approach you — never force contact.

3. 3 · Gentle Handling

   Once they accept food from you, begin short, calm petting sessions. Pair every touch with a treat or soft voice.

4. 4 · New Textures

   Introduce cardboard, crinkle toys, soft bedding, and a scratching surface so they learn the world is safe to explore.

5. 5 · Soft Sounds

   Play quiet TV, music, or household noises at low volume to build confidence with everyday sounds.

6. 6 · Friendly Visitors

   Invite calm, cat-savvy friends for short visits. One new person at a time, always on the kitten's terms.

Moving kittens from bottle to bowl is a gradual process. Follow this order and watch the scale.

1. 1Around 3–4 weeks, offer a shallow saucer of kitten-formula gruel (KMR mixed with wet food).
2. 2Expect a mess — place kittens on a towel and let them walk through it; they lick their paws to taste.
3. 3By 5 weeks, transition to thickened gruel, then small chunks of wet food on its own.
4. 4Introduce a shallow water dish at 4 weeks; refresh it twice daily.
5. 5Begin offering dry kitten kibble around 6 weeks, moistened at first if needed.
6. 6Reduce bottle feedings gradually as solid intake increases; never drop a feeding before they eat well on their own.
7. 7Weigh daily — steady weight gain confirms the transition is working.