Heat Sources for Kittens

Kittens under three to four weeks of age lack the ability to effectively generate and retain heat, and instead depend on access to an external source of warmth. When raised with a mother cat, close contact with her body heat helps them to maintain a safe temperature. Orphaned kittens, however, rely on us to provide them with warmth in order to survive.

Without a proper heat source, the risk of hypothermia is high. Hypothermia contributes to immune suppression, slowed digestion, and organ failure, and is a leading factor in kitten mortality. A scientific study showed that kittens housed in warmer conditions (90°F) had better growth rates and lower rates of death than those housed at a cooler temperature—reinforcing the critical impact of environmental warmth on overall health and survival.

When it comes to keeping kittens warm, there are a lot of different options you can use, from free items in your kitchen cupboard to affordable heat pads to more costly incubators. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each option, and talk about the best products for your kittens.

Option #1: Electric Heating Pad

Cons

• Cannot use electric heat pads while in transit; impossible to safely take kittens on the go with an electric heat pad

• Some heat pads are made of fabric that is difficult to properly sanitize

• Many heat pads have an auto-timer and will turn off after 2 hours

Tips

• Avoid buying heating pads with non-removable fabric. Remove and wash fabric covers often; spray the heating pad down with a disinfectant as needed.

• Make sure the heating pad you’re using doesn’t turn off automatically.

• Check the heating pad at each feeding to ensure that it is still warm.

• Keep the heating pad on a medium setting and line it with a microfleece blanket.

• Always provide a warm zone and a cool zone so that the kitten can move towards and away from the heat.

Option #2: Microwavable Heating Pad

Tips

• Be cautious about overheating! Make sure you read the instructions for heating, and microwave it for the correct amount of time for the strength of your microwave.

• Cover the heating pad with a microfleece blanket.

• Always provide a warm zone and a cool zone so that the kitten can move towards and away from the heat.

• Avoid off-brand microwavable pads that may contain harmful substances.

• Spray with a disinfectant as needed.

Option #3: Incubator

Pros

• Consistent, precise regulation of temperature

• Ambient heat preferable to spot heat

• Contained, quarantined space

• Ports for nebulizer and oxygen

Tips

• While not necessary, an incubator is a fantastic option for those frequently caring for kittens 0-3 weeks old.

• Comes in several sizes; smaller model is perfectly appropriate kittens, but the larger model may be ideal for larger litters or for caring for other species of neonates, like puppies. If out of stock, check out the “bird brooder” which is the same product with a different label.

• Use only distilled water in humidifier port.

• Sanitize completely between litters.

• Recommended temperature and humidity settings:

  • 0-1 week: 87-90°F & 60% humidity

  • 1-2 weeks: 85-87°F & 60% humidity

  • 2-3 weeks: 80-85°F & 60% humidity

  • 3+ weeks: no incubator, give kittens more room to roam and provide a heating pad

Option #4: Rice Mom

Pros

• Cheap or free

• Made out of products you already likely have at home

• Works great in an emergency situation

Tips

• Use dry, unflavored rice from your kitchen cabinet and pour it into a long, clean sock. Tie a knot around the ankle and microwave until warm. Repeat until you have enough rice moms to heat the bed.

• Be cautious about overheating! Don’t use a rice mom that is too hot for you to touch.

• Reheat as necessary.

• Use several rice moms to heat the kittens’ bed.

• Watch this instructional video to see a rice mom in action!

Option #5: Single-Use Hand Warmers

Pros

• Affordable

• Small, easy to keep on hand

• Work great in an emergency situation

• Stay warm for ~8 hours

Tips

• Only use single-use hand warmers in cases of emergency, such as in a rescue kit that you keep in your car or if traveling a short distance with kittens.

• Cover the warmers with a soft blanket and monitor the kittens to ensure they are not biting or chewing the warmers.

• Check on the heat and replace as needed.

• Once you are able, get the kitten a more permanent heat source.

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