Here are some Important tips you need to know before you get started. You have are about to embark on a difficult but very rewarding experience and journey. You will watch these little souls envelop their own personalities and become loving and thriving kittens that might have otherwise died or have been euthanized. The Ontario Rescue is truly grateful to you for saving them.
Your journey is never alone and if you have any questions or need more information regarding you bottle feeding you may call us at The Ontario Rescue 909-267-9715 between the hours of 10am and 6pm...Everyday...But closed on Wednesday. If there is an emergency and you are unable to reach us...... you need to contact your local vet immediately. Please do not wait for us, tiny lives depend on you. Kittens can pass within hours...
Here are some great tips when learning to bottle feed. also click this link to print a great PDF on fostering and bottle feeding.
WARMTH.....
Kittens can't regulate their body temperature so its important that have a heating pad (one that doesn't turn off automatically) and keep this on LOW....It is important that we keep it on low as we don't want to burn or cook our little orphans. Place the kittens on a heating pad on the low setting under a heavy towel. Be VERY careful to place adequate padding between the kittens and the heating pad to avoid burns. Be sure to tuck the towel under the pad so the kittens cannot crawl between the towel and the pad.
Place kittens and pad in a box, cat carrier, or other confinement that is large enough for the kittens to move off the pad if they become too warm.
Important: Keep the kittens in a place in your home that is warm, draft-free, and isolated from small children and your own pets, particularly cats.
If you have found kittens and you have not yet seen your local vet or contacted a rescue make sure you ASSESS THE KITTENS before feeding....
Before you feed a kitten, always make sure you've assessed them to make sure it is safe to feed. If a kitten is overheated or too cold, it is not safe to feed until you have gently stabilized their temperature. If a kitten is not able to swallow, it is not safe to feed. If a kitten has a cleft palate, it may be riskier to feed and you should contact your local vet immediately.
Be sure that you've assessed the kitten's temperature and body condition before feeding.
Ensure that the kitten is able to swallow by placing a drop of formula on their tongue and feeling the throat with one finger. If the kitten appears stable and is swallowing, proceed.
FEEDING:
First question asked is how much and how often should the kitten eat? A good rule of thumb to follow is approximately 8 cc’s of formula per ounce of body weight per day. Weigh each kitten using a kitchen scale.
For much more indepth information click this link