Fostering Kittens: Tips, Prep, and What to Expect

Each year, from spring through fall, shelters and rescue groups across the country brace for kitten season — a time when they’re inundated with litters of fragile, newborn kittens. Many of these babies are too young for adoption, and the sheer volume of them can quickly overwhelm shelters. That’s where foster volunteers make a life-saving difference.

Fostering kittens not only saves feline lives, but also gives these little ones the best chance at growing up healthy, socialized, and ready for adoption. New to fostering or thinking about jumping in this season? Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

What is kitten fostering?

Kitten fostering is the temporary care of young kittens until they’re old enough, healthy enough, and socialized enough to be adopted into permanent homes. Fosters provide a safe, nurturing environment where kittens can grow, learn, and thrive outside the shelter. 

How is kitten fostering different or more involved than cat fostering?

Fostering kittens tends to be more time-intensive than fostering adult cats. Unlike most adult cats, kittens, especially very young ones, often need round-the-clock care. This can include:

• Bottle-feeding every few hours for neonatal kittens who aren’t weaned yet

• Stimulating kittens to go to the bathroom if they’re too young to do it on their own

• Monitoring their weight daily to ensure they’re growing properly

• Helping them transition to solid food as they grow

• Socializing them through gentle handling and play to prepare them for future homes

Adult cats, by contrast, usually just need basic daily care, enrichment, and affection.

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How to foster kittens

Are you interested in fostering kittens but don’t know where to start? Here’s how to set yourself up for a successful experience from the start.

Connecting with a shelter or rescue

Start by reaching out to local shelters or rescues. Many groups have established foster programs and will walk you through their application process and provide training.

Determining your commitment

Foster kittens vary widely in age and needs, so the level of care required can differ quite a bit. Bottle babies (unweaned kittens) require feedings every few hours, including overnight, while older kittens may just need food, playtime, and socialization. Discuss your realistic ability to commit with the rescue or shelter so you’re matched with the right kittens.

Gathering necessary supplies

Before your kittens arrive, make sure you have the basic supplies on hand. Most shelters and rescues will provide these (or reimburse you), but be sure to ask what’s provided. That said, rescues always appreciate when foster parents can pitch in.

• Kitten food (formula for bottle babies, wet and/or dry food for older kittens)

• Bottles and nipples (if bottle feeding is needed — Miracle Nipple is a good brand)

• Litter boxes with low sides and litter (pine pellets or clay litter)

• Bedding, blankets, and soft towels 

• A secure sleeping area (a cat carrier with the door removed or a cardboard box turned on its side works well)

• A heating pad, such as the SnuggleSafe microwave heating pad

• Kitten-safe toys 

• Bowls for food and water

• Scratching post 

• Cleaning supplies for accidents

Duet Postscriptum / Stocksy/

Setting up your foster space

Prepare a small, quiet “safe room” in your home where the kittens will stay. A spare bedroom or bathroom works well. If you don’t have a separate room, a secure playpen can also work. Just be sure the kittens are kept apart from other pets, and that the space is kitten-proofed (no small objects they could swallow, no places to get stuck, etc.) 

Since kittens can’t regulate their body temperatures, the space should be warm and draft-free. Avoid garages, outdoor enclosures, or spaces with outdoor access, which aren’t safe for kittens. You might also want to choose an area that’s easy to clean, because accidents are part of the learning process. 

Bringing home the kittens

When you bring home your foster kittens, immediately place them in their designated safe space and keep the environment calm and quiet. Give them time to settle in. 

Caring for foster kittens

Once your foster kittens are settled in, your job shifts to daily care, feeding, socialization, and monitoring their health. Samantha Bell, a cat expert at Best Friends Animal Society, says the goal is to re-create the mother cat experience for the kittens — think warm, soft, and cozy. 

Feeding foster kittens

Feeding routines vary by age. Bottle feeding is necessary for kittens who haven’t been weaned. These kittens typically need to be fed every two to four hours around the clock. 

“Bottle babies should be fed milk-replacement formula that’s made specifically for kittens,” Bell says. “Please do not feed kittens (or cats) cow’s milk,” she adds. Cow’s milk does not have the necessary nutrients kittens need and can cause extreme (possibly fatal) GI upset.”

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Once they reach about four to five weeks of age, you can begin transitioning them to soft food by offering a slurry of wet food and formula. Gradually reduce the liquid content as they get more comfortable eating on their own. Weigh the kittens daily during this time to ensure they’re steadily growing.

Stimulating pee and poop

Young kittens will also need to be stimulated to urinate and defecate. The mother cat usually does this by licking their genitals, so you’ll want to recreate that with a damp paper towel or unscented baby wipe, Bell explains. This should be done after each feeding. Bell says they won’t eliminate each time — usually once every day or two. 

Socializing foster kittens

Socialization is a huge part of fostering. Gentle handling, exposure to common household sounds, and interactive play help kittens grow into confident, adoptable pets. Spend time petting, talking to, and playing with them every day. If they’re shy or scared, go slowly — never force them to interact. Patience and positive experiences will go a long way in building trust.

Recognizing common health issues

Even healthy-looking kittens can decline quickly, so watch closely for warning signs of illness, including:

• Frequent crying

• Restlessness

• Weakness

• Coldness (hypothermia)

• Diarrhea

• Dehydration

• Shallow or labored breathing

• Paleness or blueness in gums 

If you notice anything off, contact the rescue or shelter immediately. Most organizations have veterinary partners or on-call support for fosters.

As a foster parent, you’re also responsible for taking the kittens to the vet for their vaccination appointments.

Deagreez / iStock/

Common challenges in kitten fostering

Fostering kittens is incredibly rewarding, but it’s not without its difficulties. Being aware of the emotional and practical challenges can help you decide if it’s right for you.

Some common challenges include:

• Time commitment: Caring for kittens, especially bottle babies, can require round-the-clock attention. Feedings every few hours (including overnight), cleaning up messes, and daily monitoring are time-intensive. If you have a busier schedule, you can ask the foster coordinator to match you with older kittens who aren’t as demanding. 

• Kitten loss: Despite your best efforts, not every kitten will survive. Sick or orphaned kittens can be especially fragile, and losing one can be heartbreaking. It’s important to remember that giving them love and comfort, even for a short time, still makes a difference.

• Emotional attachment: It’s easy to fall in love with your fosters, so saying goodbye when it’s time for them to be adopted can be tough. But letting go means you’re making room to save even more lives, and many foster parents find joy in seeing their kittens thrive in loving forever homes. (Or maybe you’ll want to adopt your foster kitten, who knows?)

• Health issues and emergencies: Kittens can go from “fine” to “not fine” quickly. Recognizing signs of illness and knowing when to seek help is crucial. This can be stressful, but most foster programs offer support, guidance, and veterinary care.

• Mess and cleanups: Between litter-box training, spilled food, and the occasional accident, expect to do a lot of cleaning.

Ready to foster?

Fostering kittens may seem like a small act, but its impact is huge. By opening your home to even one kitten, you’re helping reduce overcrowding in shelters and giving a vulnerable animal a safe place to grow. Many foster parents find the experience deeply fulfilling. 

If you’re ready to foster, reach out to your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Most offer training, resources, and plenty of support to help you get started. Whether you foster once or have made it a regular part of your life, you’ll play a critical role in saving lives.

Commonly asked questions 

Can you foster kittens in an apartment​?

Yes, you don’t need a big house to foster kittens, as long as you have a safe, enclosed space like a bathroom, spare room, or play pen where the kittens can stay warm, secure, and out of trouble.

Do kittens remember their foster parents?

Foster kittens probably won’t remember you long-term like a pet would, but the love and socialization you give them will leave a lasting impact, helping them grow into confident, adoptable cats.

Is it a good idea to foster a kitten?

Yes, if you’re ready for the time and care it takes, fostering a kitten is a great way to help animals in need and experience the joy of helping them grow and thrive.

Do you get paid for fostering kittens?

No, fostering is an unpaid volunteer role.

How much work is fostering kittens?

The work involved in fostering kittens depends on their ages. Bottle babies need round-the-clock care, while older kittens are a bit more independent (but still require significant time and attention). All fosters require daily feeding, cleaning, and socialization.

What supplies do I need to start fostering kittens?

You’ll need food, litter, bowls, bedding, toys, and a warm, enclosed space to start fostering kittens. Very young kittens also need formula, bottles, and heating pads. Ask your rescue what they will provide.

What are some hard truths about fostering kittens?

Kitten loss can happen, and it’s emotionally tough. Letting go is hard, and the work can be messy and exhausting. But the reward of saving lives makes it worth it.

How should I prepare for fostering five-week-old kittens?

At five weeks, kittens are starting to eat on their own but still need frequent feedings, litter training, and supervision. Create a safe space and stock up on wet food, litter, and toys.

How long are your fosters typically with you?

According to Best Friends Animal Society, once a kitten weighs two pounds, they can be spayed or neutered and then put up for adoption. This is typically around eight weeks old. But the duration a kitten needs to be fostered really depends on local availability, the kitten’s age, and other factors — a foster kitten could be with you for three weeks or eight months — there’s no hard and fast rule.

Tips on fostering a non-socialized kitten?

Start slow and stay patient. Spend time sitting near them, speak softly, and offer treats or toys. Don’t force contact. Let them come to you at their own pace.

How different is fostering a mama and kittens, versus kittens alone?

When fostering a mother cat, she’ll handle most feeding and grooming, but you’re still responsible for her care (providing food, clean litter, monitoring her health, and offering gentle socialization). You’ll also need to check that the kittens are nursing, growing well, and developing normally.

Resources 

“Kitten Foster Manuel.” Best Friend Animal Society, bestfriends.org/pet-care-resources/kitten-foster-manual.

“Stimulating Kittens.” Kitten Lady, www.kittenlady.org/stimulating.

“What to Expect When Fostering a Kitten.” Kinship, www.kinship.com/cat-lifestyle/fostering-kitten.