How to Burp a Bottle-Fed Kitten: Technique, Timing and Troubleshooting

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Human babies are burped to release swallowed air. Bottle-fed kittens can swallow air too, particularly if they feed fast or the nipple is wrong. A gentle burp can prevent discomfort, and reduce spit-up.

Why bottle-fed kittens need burping

Nursing from a mother involves tight latch and slow flow. Bottles can let in air, and formula may flow faster than the kitten can handle. Trapped air can cause a bloated belly, cramping, crying and regurgitation. A burp releases some of the air.

How to burp a kitten

Method 1: Belly-down on your hand

1. Place the kitten belly-down across your palm, supporting the chest with your fingers and the hindquarters with your wrist, head slightly raised.
2. Pat or rub the back gently, from the hips up toward the shoulders, with two fingers.
3. Continue for up to a minute.

Method 2: Upright on your shoulder

1. Hold the kitten against your shoulder, with a towel under its chin, supporting the rear with one hand.
2. Rub or pat the back lightly with the other hand.
3. Continue for up to a minute.

Method 3: Lying on a towel on your lap

Lay the kitten belly-down on a warm towel, and rub the back gently.

When to burp

• Midway through a feeding, if the kitten pauses.
• At the end of the feeding.
• If the kitten seems restless, or arches its back.

Do not force a burp. If nothing comes up after about a minute, move on. Keep the kitten warm, and stimulate it to eliminate. See how to stimulate a kitten to pee and poop.

Reduce air swallowing

• Hold the bottle at the right angle. The nipple should stay full of formula, with the bottle tilted so air rises away.
• Use the right nipple size. A hole that is too large gives too much flow. When bottle is held upside down, formula should drip slowly, not stream.
• Feed in a natural position, belly down, with head slightly raised.
• Let the kitten pace itself. Do not squeeze the bottle.
• Feed a calm, warm kitten.
• Do not overfeed. See kitten formula feeding schedule by age.

See how to bottle feed a kitten.

Signs of gas or discomfort

• Crying after feeds, and drawing up legs.
• A tight, round belly.
• Restlessness.
• Hiccups, which are common and usually harmless.
• Spitting up small amounts.

Gentle tummy massage, warmth and burping often help.

When it is more serious

Call a vet urgently if:

• The belly is hard, swollen, or painful.
• The kitten vomits or has milk from the nose.
• It coughs or has trouble breathing after feeding, which may mean aspiration.
• It is lethargic, cold or refuses to feed.
• It has not passed urine or stool.
• It has diarrhea.

See fading kitten syndrome and kitten diarrhea.

If a kitten aspirates

If milk comes from the nose or the kitten coughs, stop feeding. Hold the kitten head down, and gently wipe the nose. Call your vet. Do not continue feeding until checked.

Keeping it clean

Wash hands, and clean bottles and nipples after every use. Wipe the kitten's face.

Weaning

When kittens begin to eat solid food, burping becomes less needed. See how to wean kittens.

Gentle handling

Kittens are fragile. Use light touch, and support the head and body. See how to hold and handle a kitten.

Position and pace in detail

Bottle position is the biggest factor. Imagine how a kitten nurses: belly down, head level or slightly raised, front paws kneading. Hold the bottle at a gentle angle so that milk fills the nipple without gushing. If milk drips fast when the bottle is upside down, the hole is too big. Try a new nipple, or swap for a slower-flow one. Some caregivers pinch the hole slightly, but only under guidance, since too slow a flow tires a weak kitten.

Burping after each meal

Burp, stimulate and settle the kitten into a warm bed. Keep the kitten upright for a few minutes after feeding if it seems gassy. Never lay a full kitten on its back. A relaxed kitten that falls asleep with a round, soft belly is doing well.

Frequently asked questions

How long should I burp? Up to a minute, or until a small burp comes. Is hiccupping bad? No, it is common after feeding. Do older kittens need it? Rarely, once they eat from a dish. Can I burp a sleepy kitten? Yes, gently, then let it sleep. Always keep movements slow, and stop if the kitten struggles. Burping is a comfort measure, not a cure, so if the kitten keeps showing signs of discomfort, call your vet for advice.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your kitten seems bloated or ill. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.