After having spent several years fostering young kittens, there are some supplies I've come to rely on time and time again. From food to litter and bedding to toys, check out some of those important supplies you'll need when you welcome the little foster kittens into your home.
Today we're talking about those supplies to help keep the baby kitties warm and comfortable.
I've added links to Amazon so you can see photos and prices of the different products. I am a participant in their affiliate advertising program so if you make a purchase through my link I will earn a small commission. The purchase helps support me in purchasing replacement products for each year's foster kitties. I buy most all of my supplies from Amazon, but do get your supplies wherever is cheapest and easiest for you!
Supplies for Keeping Foster Kittens Warm and Comfortable
- It isn't until about five weeks of age when baby kittens can regulate their own body temperature. Up to then, foster parents will need to provide a heat source for the babies. My preference is the Snuggle Safe Pet Bed Microwave Heating Pad, a round disc you warm in the microwave. Check out my step-by-step tutorial for how to make extra covers for it right here.
- Snuggle Kitty, a stuffed animal with a pulsating heartbeat, gets placed in the same area. It comforts kitties who are missing their mama.
- I use a couple different types of beds for the foster kittens. Some of the babes prefer to climb deep into the soft and plush cuddle cave. Other kitties like the plush open bed instead.
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| Wyatt, my foster kitten born with no back feet, slept wherever was easier to get to. |
- Pop up playpens keep kittens contained in the early stages when they need just a little space to roam. I've found connecting two playpens works even better as I can have a separate litter box room for them. There are several different types out there, but I really love my Jespet popups because they are bigger, sturdier, and easier to clean than some of the others.
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| It's a two room kitty cat camping tent! |
- A clear playpen with connecting plastic panels is another good option. It gives the little ones space while you can see exactly what's going on. And believe me, you'll want to know.
- Blankets, blankets, blankets. You may have to wash kitty blankets every single day (sometimes more than once a day) so it's nice to have plenty of extras around - fuzzy warm blankets, fleece blankets (I have a no-sew fleece blanket tutorial right here), and even receiving blankets. Yep, receiving blankets. There may be times you need to wrap a kitten for bottle feeding or you just might have a hisser/scratcher/lunger who needs to be wrapped to be given medication.
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| We had to swaddle Dutton like a baby to get the eye ointment in those little eyes. |
We're not done with supplies yet! Join me in the upcoming weeks for: