Animal Welfare Professionals

I viewed the Dallas Animal Services' Kitten and Puppy Neonatal Guide in the forum library and have a question.

We have a steady stream of newborn kittens entering our shelter every summer and I am the only one that will foster but lose so many. My only training has been buy formula, feed every two hours, and potty. It is so discouraging. This year I am determined to be more successful and doing tons of research. My question - would an incubator make that much difference? The good ones are pricey and I would need to purchase one for the shelter and one for my home as they travel back and forth to work with me. I have always just used heating pads? Any feedback would be appreciated.   

#CommunityCatManagement
#FosterPrograms
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization

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Ruth Olson
Director
Sumter Humane Society, Inc.
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Hi, Ruth!  I've been rescuing neonatal kittens for more than 25 years now and I understand your frustration!  Fortunately, there are things you can do to improve your live outcomes, and buying an expensive incubator is not a requirement.  Maddies University provides very helpful information (especially the Stomach Capacity and Feeding Chart), but if you think it could help I'd be happy to talk with you and see if we can figure out what you can do to save more tiny lives.  Let me know if you'd like to connect!

Nancy

Little Orphans Kitten Rescue, Inc.

Louisville, KY

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Nancy Hancock
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Thanks for this answer, Nancy!  

Ruth, here's the Kitten Bottle Feeding and Stomach Capacity Chart Nancy referred to above. And here's a link to free Maddie's University courses related to Kitten Care.

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Kim Domerofski (she/her)
Community Manager
Maddie's Fund
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-13-2023 01:48 PM
From: Nancy Hancock
Subject: Would an incubator make that much of a difference?

Hi, Ruth!  I've been rescuing neonatal kittens for more than 25 years now and I understand your frustration!  Fortunately, there are things you can do to improve your live outcomes, and buying an expensive incubator is not a requirement.  Maddies University provides very helpful information (especially the Stomach Capacity and Feeding Chart), but if you think it could help I'd be happy to talk with you and see if we can figure out what you can do to save more tiny lives.  Let me know if you'd like to connect!

Nancy

Little Orphans Kitten Rescue, Inc.

Louisville, KY

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Nancy Hancock
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Thank you so much Nancy.  I just sent you an email to the Rescue contact page.   Would love to talk.   

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Ruth Olson
Director
Sumter Humane Society, Inc.
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-13-2023 01:48 PM
From: Nancy Hancock
Subject: Would an incubator make that much of a difference?

Hi, Ruth!  I've been rescuing neonatal kittens for more than 25 years now and I understand your frustration!  Fortunately, there are things you can do to improve your live outcomes, and buying an expensive incubator is not a requirement.  Maddies University provides very helpful information (especially the Stomach Capacity and Feeding Chart), but if you think it could help I'd be happy to talk with you and see if we can figure out what you can do to save more tiny lives.  Let me know if you'd like to connect!

Nancy

Little Orphans Kitten Rescue, Inc.

Louisville, KY

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Nancy Hancock
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Hi Ruth, I have been bottle feeding kittens for about 5 years now and know that they can be so fragile and sometimes with our very best intentions they still don't make it.  That being said, I have found a ton of useful tools/tips/information from The Kitten Lady's website.  I have always gotten along just fine using a pet heating pad on it's lowest setting.  But recently my organization applied for a grant from Petfinder and got funding for some cat/kitten enrichment supplies.  We were able to get an incubator so we're pretty excited to give it a try this spring!  Thanks for all you do to help the kittens in need.  

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Erin Nissen
Executive Director
Durango Animal Connection
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Thank you for the info Erin.   I definitely will go to the Kitten Lady's website and writing a grant for incubator's is a great idea.    

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Ruth Olson
Director
Sumter Humane Society, Inc.
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2023 07:01 AM
From: Erin Nissen
Subject: Would an incubator make that much of a difference?

Hi Ruth, I have been bottle feeding kittens for about 5 years now and know that they can be so fragile and sometimes with our very best intentions they still don't make it.  That being said, I have found a ton of useful tools/tips/information from The Kitten Lady's website.  I have always gotten along just fine using a pet heating pad on it's lowest setting.  But recently my organization applied for a grant from Petfinder and got funding for some cat/kitten enrichment supplies.  We were able to get an incubator so we're pretty excited to give it a try this spring!  Thanks for all you do to help the kittens in need.  

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Erin Nissen
Executive Director
Durango Animal Connection
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Hi Ruth

Our small rescue is the only one that takes neonatal kittens in our region of Portugal. Because of this, we bought an incubator a year ago and it made a big difference. It took a significant burden from the primary carers with no need to worry about kittens getting too cold on heating pads especially overnight. 

They're not actually that expensive at the lower end although we got a larger one, which was about 700€, rather than one in the 300-400€ range.

I would suggest that you don't get a large one as we actually found it is a bit too big. Though it's been useful recently for another rescuer who had newborn puppies found in the trash at Christmas and works for larger kittens needing humidity/recovery from hospital stays, I would go smaller next time.

This year, we will try and use it more for sick kittens when we don't have neonatals in, which will mean moving it. But it's light enough that it isn't an issue. The smaller ones are a bit more portable for sure!

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Bettina Vine
Animal Health Director
The Kitten Connection
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Hi Bettina, I'm curious to know where you found the lower priced incubtors for Portugal?   Looking for one for Montenegro, we've only found ones from about 1300 euros up.  In fact, even in the states I haven't seen many lesser priced ones.  A European supplier would make the shipping more reasonable, though.

Thanks!

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April King
Volunteer and Board Member
Kotor Kitties
+1 206 407 5336
http://www.kotorkitties.org
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2023 12:59 AM
From: Bettina Vine
Subject: Would an incubator make that much of a difference?

Hi Ruth

Our small rescue is the only one that takes neonatal kittens in our region of Portugal. Because of this, we bought an incubator a year ago and it made a big difference. It took a significant burden from the primary carers with no need to worry about kittens getting too cold on heating pads especially overnight. 

They're not actually that expensive at the lower end although we got a larger one, which was about 700€, rather than one in the 300-400€ range.

I would suggest that you don't get a large one as we actually found it is a bit too big. Though it's been useful recently for another rescuer who had newborn puppies found in the trash at Christmas and works for larger kittens needing humidity/recovery from hospital stays, I would go smaller next time.

This year, we will try and use it more for sick kittens when we don't have neonatals in, which will mean moving it. But it's light enough that it isn't an issue. The smaller ones are a bit more portable for sure!

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Bettina Vine
Animal Health Director
The Kitten Connection
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Hi April! 
We bought the Rcom 90 bird brooder, which is currently listed at 775€ at the site we bought it from. The Rcom 60 would have done the job as well. Lots of websites sell these.
https://incomax.pt/lojaonline/gb/brooders/230-rcom-bird-brooder-90-large.html

There are cheaper ones that Incomax website sells, with the sliding doors, those we considered but after getting advice from a vet we chose Rcom. You don't need to go for the high end Curadle or one with nebuliser.

There is also the Brinsea brand, but some of those aren't as suitable for kittens so research those before you buy, https://brinsea.co.uk/

NB some vets sites do suggest Brinsea for kittens if you need portability, see https://www.incuvet.co.uk/incubators-for-kittens/ Note that website sells the Rcom under avian incubators .

Hope that helps! 

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Bettina Vine
Animal Health Director
The Kitten Connection
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2023 03:14 PM
From: April King
Subject: Would an incubator make that much of a difference?

Hi Bettina, I'm curious to know where you found the lower priced incubtors for Portugal?   Looking for one for Montenegro, we've only found ones from about 1300 euros up.  In fact, even in the states I haven't seen many lesser priced ones.  A European supplier would make the shipping more reasonable, though.

Thanks!

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April King
Volunteer and Board Member
Kotor Kitties
+1 206 407 5336
http://www.kotorkitties.org
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2023 12:59 AM
From: Bettina Vine
Subject: Would an incubator make that much of a difference?

Hi Ruth

Our small rescue is the only one that takes neonatal kittens in our region of Portugal. Because of this, we bought an incubator a year ago and it made a big difference. It took a significant burden from the primary carers with no need to worry about kittens getting too cold on heating pads especially overnight. 

They're not actually that expensive at the lower end although we got a larger one, which was about 700€, rather than one in the 300-400€ range.

I would suggest that you don't get a large one as we actually found it is a bit too big. Though it's been useful recently for another rescuer who had newborn puppies found in the trash at Christmas and works for larger kittens needing humidity/recovery from hospital stays, I would go smaller next time.

This year, we will try and use it more for sick kittens when we don't have neonatals in, which will mean moving it. But it's light enough that it isn't an issue. The smaller ones are a bit more portable for sure!

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Bettina Vine
Animal Health Director
The Kitten Connection

I am getting so much great advice - thank you everyone.  I originally looked at large incubators on Amazon and they are over $1,000.   I would only use this for kittens so  think a smaller one might work just as well and would be more cost effective.   So - my next question - does anyone have recommendations on a neonatal kitten incubator that is good quality, reasonably priced, and perhaps I can take back and forth with me from work to home???    Thank you in advance.   

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Ruth Olson
Director
Sumter Humane Society, Inc.
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Hi Ruth

I would suggest you look at Brinsea as those are more portable and you can buy them in the US. The TLC 40 might work for you.  https://brinsea.co.uk/bird-breeding-products/brooders/tlc-40-eco-series-ii-icu-brooder/

Also, maybe look at bird breeding sites and agricultural supplies places rather than Amazon for a better range as there must be several suitable US brands of bird brooders.

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Bettina Vine
Animal Health Director
The Kitten Connection
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2023 08:37 AM
From: Ruth Olson
Subject: Would an incubator make that much of a difference?

I am getting so much great advice - thank you everyone.  I originally looked at large incubators on Amazon and they are over $1,000.   I would only use this for kittens so  think a smaller one might work just as well and would be more cost effective.   So - my next question - does anyone have recommendations on a neonatal kitten incubator that is good quality, reasonably priced, and perhaps I can take back and forth with me from work to home???    Thank you in advance.   

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Ruth Olson
Director
Sumter Humane Society, Inc.
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Hi Ruth,

We purchased a pair from puppywarmer.com. We met this vendor at HSUS' Animal Care Expo last year; they focus on neonate puppies but it works just the same for kittens. We purchased the 12x12 and the 18x18, I believe. They aren't the most portable as they are glass, but it wouldn't be impossible. They are very easy to set up and so far have worked really well for us!

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Evie Schenkel
Asheville Humane Society
Asheville NC
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2023 08:37 AM
From: Ruth Olson
Subject: Would an incubator make that much of a difference?

I am getting so much great advice - thank you everyone.  I originally looked at large incubators on Amazon and they are over $1,000.   I would only use this for kittens so  think a smaller one might work just as well and would be more cost effective.   So - my next question - does anyone have recommendations on a neonatal kitten incubator that is good quality, reasonably priced, and perhaps I can take back and forth with me from work to home???    Thank you in advance.   

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Ruth Olson
Director
Sumter Humane Society, Inc.
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Hi Ruth, I hope you'll check out the National Kitten Coalition’s excellent resources at https://kittencoalition.org/, including its Kitten Nursery Manual, recorded webinars in the eLearning Center,  and its blog articles. Also, watch for more info about its Online Kitten Conference, co-hosted by Community Cats Podcast, from June 9-11. Thank you for working to save more kittens. 

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Nancy Peterson
The National Kitten Coalition
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I've been fostering neonate kittens for almost 20 years, and one of only a handful of people with our organization that does neonates. This past fall I did a Go Fund Me and was able to raise enough funds to purchase 2! I purchased both through this company as they run really good deals pretty regularly, and at the time I purchased they were around $600 each;

https://www.ojcommerce.com/brinsea-tlc-40-eco-series-ii-brooder-intensive-care-unit-for-young-sick-or-injured-birds-small-animals-ushd4001cA

I also have a small portable Brinsea incubator that I use for transports to rescue partners, to/from work, etc. I've been using that one for singles/pairs for a couple of years and I find it has made a big difference.  Consistent temperatures, environment, etc

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Jennifer Fly
Animal Control Officer Supervisor
Chesapeake Animal Services
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Thank you Jennifer for the info and the link to an incubator.  I am so glad I posted my question to the Maddie's Pet Forum.   Getting tons of useful information and everyone is so helpful and nice!!

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Ruth Olson
Director
Sumter Humane Society, Inc.
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2023 06:41 AM
From: Jennifer Fly
Subject: Would an incubator make that much of a difference?

I've been fostering neonate kittens for almost 20 years, and one of only a handful of people with our organization that does neonates. This past fall I did a Go Fund Me and was able to raise enough funds to purchase 2! I purchased both through this company as they run really good deals pretty regularly, and at the time I purchased they were around $600 each;

https://www.ojcommerce.com/brinsea-tlc-40-eco-series-ii-brooder-intensive-care-unit-for-young-sick-or-injured-birds-small-animals-ushd4001cA

I also have a small portable Brinsea incubator that I use for transports to rescue partners, to/from work, etc. I've been using that one for singles/pairs for a couple of years and I find it has made a big difference.  Consistent temperatures, environment, etc

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Jennifer Fly
Animal Control Officer Supervisor
Chesapeake Animal Services
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We're a small feline rescue and were donated 2 incubators. I'm a board member and one of 2 of us who are the main bottle babies fosters as well. 

For me personally, having an incubator is more of convenience where you can set the temp and humidity and not have to microwave heating pads or set up actual heating pads and check them every so often to see if they need to be warmed up again. 

Last summer we had a unique situation for us that resulted in having 3 different litters of bottle babies who were using the incubators in 2 different foster homes. We then get contacted about 2 1 day old kittens in need of our help. I took them and other board members were concerned about making sure they'd be kept warm enough and trying to figure out if we could move one of the other litters out early so I could use it. 

My 2 babies did perfectly fine with a heating pad on low under their little nesting box along with a heating pad under their bedding... you know, exactly how we used to care for litters of bottle babies prior to having any incubators!!

They definitely do ensure a constant consistent temperature and provide needed humidity for their little lungs however I personally wouldn't say that having an incubator 100% increases the chances of litters survival vs not having one. Last summer we lost 15 kittens from several litters otherwise we hadn't had any loss of life in over 5yrs.

I've attached a picture of temp and humidity settings for each week of life up to 4wks old when kitten's can begin to regulate their own body temp. I also attached a feeding chart by age of week that may be helpful.

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Tracy Hanson
Ellie's Legacy Pet Rescue
Alexandria MN
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I've got babies!!!  Four little guys came this week with no mama.   Eyes open so a little older and I normally have better luck.   I have my binder with handouts and notes, my scale, notebook, water wipes, cotton balls, eye meds, other meds, formula, miracle nipples and syringes, heating pad, etc etc etc - super prepared.   So far so good.   Thank you everyone who helped in giving me a good start this year.   

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Ruth Olson
Director
Sumter Humane Society, Inc.
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