Five questions about RCR's neonatal kitten program
Regina Cat Rescue’s team of bottle feeders is tiny but mighty – and 2019 put them to the test! This year they cared for 28 neonatal kittens. Now that kitten season is slowly drawing to close we’re recruiting help so we can expand our team of bottle feeders for next year!
If you’re interested in learning more, read on for a Q&A about our neonatal kitten program and what we need to keep it going!
What’s a neonatal kitten anyway?
A neonatal kitten is one who’s newborn to four weeks old. During these critical weeks the kittens need round-the-clock care. That’s because they’re too young to eat and eliminate waste on their own, and they can’t yet regulate their own body temperature. Special kittens require special foster homes. In order to keep helping these vulnerable animals we need more volunteers to join our neonatal kitten program!
How do bottle babies end up in RCR’s care?
In the last couple of years, we’ve taken in babies after the mother has been hit by a car, attacked by another animal, and even poisoned. Sometimes the mothers just disappear and never return. Occasionally, the neonatal kittens end up at a vet clinic to be euthanized. Not wanting to end their lives before they’ve really began, some vets will call RCR to take the kittens on.
Who’s a good candidate to be an RCR bottle feeder?
Because these tiny babies need care around the clock people who work in the home or run a home-based business are a good fit because they typically have the flexibility required to bottle feed every 2-5 hours (depending on the age of the kittens). It’s also helpful to have an extra room – bathroom, guest room or office, for example – to keep the kittens safe and away from other pets.
I work typical office hours. Can I still bottle feed?
Yes! There are a two ways you can help:
You can check with your workplace to see if they would approve of bringing neonatal kittens to the office. Newborns sleep more than 20 hours a day, so chances are they won’t disrupt your work (except for feedings every couple of hours on coffee and lunch breaks). They also don’t take much space – a small carrier tucks easily under a desk.
You can also provide weekend relief to a full-time bottle feeder. Giving the full-time bottle feeders a break for a weekend can help them get caught up on sleep and recharged to keep up this life-saving work during the week.
We always need donations of KMR kitten formula and miracle nipples too. Check out our Amazon Wish List today!
Is there any training needed to become a bottle feeder?
Having some knowledge about kitten care is helpful, but we will teach you and provide all the supplies needed. Once you get started, our bottle feeders are always available over phone to provide support, so you’d never be alone.
We’re planning a bottle feeder Q&A and orientation session in the New Year for anyone interested in learning how to bottle feed. Please email us if you’d like an invite to this event!
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