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My 3-week-old bottle-fed kittens aren't pooping. How do I keep them warm?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

The 3 week old kittens I am bottle feeding will not poop, only pee. Is this normal? Also, how would I keep them warm while bottle feeding?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on May 22nd, 2015

[Kittens ](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-raise-orphan-kittens)on formula or mother's [milk](https://www.petcoach.co/article/the-constituents-that-make-up-milk-for-cats/) will still have bowel movements, however it may tend to be more watery or liquid rather than the solid movements of a cat on solid food. Mother cats will lick a kitten's bottom to stimulate defecation and urination, and this can be done by a foster parent by using a warm wet washcloth to gently rub their bottoms to stimulate a bowel movement. If the kittens are still unable to go, speaking with or scheduling an appointment with your local vet is best. For keeping [kittens](https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-myths-about-kittens) warm during feeding, you can create a little kitten "burrito" by wrapping them in a warm towel or blanket. This will help them to retain their body heat while drinking. Making sure the kitten formula is also slightly warmed up will help prevent a decrease in body temperature.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on May 15th, 2017

    Cute kitty! If she hasn't pooped yet you can try to stimulate her to go by gently wiping her bottom with a warm wet washcloth (this simulates how a mother cat would do it). If she is not on solid foods yet it may also be that she won't go much or may have a bit less solid of a stool. It is also a good idea to bring her to the vet when you can for a complete exam to make sure she is healthy and thriving.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on August 2nd, 2017

    The best way to stimulate a bowel movement is to gently rub a warm wet washcloth around the anus after feeding. Oliver should have a BM quickly after rubbing the area. Then you can clean and pat the area dry. Kittens don't necessarily need a heating pad, but keep him in the warmest area of your house with warm blankets to snuggle up against. Also, make sure that he is taking in enough kitten milk replacer every 2-3 hours. There should be feeding guidelines on the side of the can or mix container. Here is some more good information on raising orphaned kittens: http://www.petmd.com/cat/centers/kitten/adoption-getting-a-kitten/evr_ct_orphaned_kitten_care?page=2

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    Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 13th, 2017

    Hello. I am sorry that Momma's boy isn't pooping well. It is very important that kittens poop, and if he is not as active as the others this is a concern as well. It is possible has started pooping on his own and you aren't seeing it, however the larger concern would be that he is not pooping. This can be constipation, or anatomical abnormality where he doesn't have an anus, or other problems in his guts. I would suggest you have him to the vet for his lethargy as well as not pooping. Good luck with little Momma's boy.

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