How to stimulate and weigh kittens
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Neonatal kittens need your help to go to the bathroom—gently stimulate them with a tissue before each feeding, just like their mom would. Track their health by weighing them before and after feedings. They should gain about 7–14 grams daily.
How to stimulate and weigh kittens
Neonatal kittens require hands-on care because they are not yet able to fully care for themselves. One of the most important things to understand is that very young kittens cannot urinate or defecate on their own during the first weeks of life.
In a natural setting, their mother would stimulate them to go to the bathroom by licking them. When you are fostering or caring for orphaned kittens, you’ll need to safely and gently replicate this process.
Before every feeding, take a soft tissue or cloth and gently rub the kitten’s genital and anal area. This light stimulation encourages them to urinate and have a bowel movement. It’s important to do this slowly and gently, as their skin is extremely delicate. Continue the stimulation until they have finished eliminating. This step should always be done before feeding, as it helps keep the kitten comfortable and supports healthy digestion.
Feeding time should always be paired with careful monitoring of their growth and intake. One of the best ways to track a kitten’s health is by weighing them consistently. Before and after each feeding, weigh your kitten to determine how much formula they have consumed. This helps you understand whether they are eating enough to grow properly and thrive.
A small digital kitchen scale works best because it provides accurate measurements in grams. To weigh your kitten safely, place a small bowl on the scale. Then, zero out the scale so it reads “0” with the bowl in place. Gently place the kitten inside and record the weight. Be sure to handle them carefully and keep them warm during the process, as newborns are unable to regulate their body temperature.
All weights should be recorded in your Kitten Diary. Write down each kitten’s weight in grams along with the date and time of feeding. This is essential for tracking their development and spotting any changes early.
Healthy neonatal kittens should typically gain about 7 to 14 grams per day. Consistent weight gain is one of the strongest indicators that a kitten is feeding well and developing normally. If a kitten is not gaining weight—or especially if they begin to lose weight—it can be a sign that something is wrong and needs attention right away.
In those cases, don’t wait to seek help. Reach out to The Animal Foundation’s foster team for guidance and support.