Welcome to Cathy's Blog

Published on January 4, 2026 at 11:13 AM

 

Tiny Paws Foster Academy: My Mission to Help You Save Tiny Lives

Hey there, cat and kitten lovers! I’m the founder of the Tiny Paws Foster Academy, an independent educational resource I created to train and support foster caregivers like you in raising orphaned newborn kittens. Through my hands-on workshops, the guides I’ve written myself or have sourced from trusted sources, and personal mentorship, I help everyday volunteers gain the skills and confidence to give these fragile babies the best possible chance—no experience needed.

Why I’m So Passionate About This

Kittens younger than four weeks are incredibly vulnerable without their mom. They can’t stay warm, eat on their own, or even go to the bathroom without help. I’ve seen firsthand how skilled fostering saves lives and takes pressure off shelters and rescues. That’s why I teach straightforward, proven methods so you can step in and make a real difference.

How I Teach You to Set Up a Safe Space

I walk you through creating a simple, effective nursery at home:

  • Keep the area warm—85-90°F for newborns, lowering it gradually as they grow.
  • Use an incubator or how to construct a suitable box with a heating pad that covers only half the space (so kittens can move away if they get too hot).
  • Add soft bedding and a gram scale to track weight every day.

The basics I recommend: kitten milk replacer (KMR or Royal Canin BabyCat Milk), syringes or bottles with miracle nipples, and unscented wipes or tissue for stimulation.

The Daily Routine I Guide You Through

Neonatal care is intense, but I break it down step by step:

  • Feed warm formula every 2-3 hours, holding the kitten upright.
  • Gently stimulate them to pee and poop after each meal.
  • Weigh daily—healthy kittens should gain 5-10 grams.

Around 2-3 weeks, when their eyes open, I show you how to start gentle play and handling so they grow into confident, happy cats.

The Results That Keep Me Going

The tiny wiggles (my pet name for neonates) I have saved and the fosters I have trained to care for them along with the tiny, cold kittens who arrive barely alive, but grow strong and healthy because of the techniques I have used with them. Seeing higher survival rates and well-socialized kittens ready for their forever homes is what drives me every day.

Let’s Get You Started

If you’re ready, join my Skool at https://www.skool.com/neonatal-foster-academy-7635, grab one of my guides, or just reach out for advice. I’m here to help every step of the way.

Have questions or want to tell me about your own fostering journey? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!

 

 

This is Irving - he came to us at about 3 hours old. Irving and I overcame many obstacles to his survival. Let me share his story with you.