Orphaned kittens are fragile. Even under the best of circumstances they often don’t survive, and being orphaned is a major threat to their health.

While many dedicated caregivers take it on themselves to bottle feed these babies, few know how to perform a basic exam that could mean the difference between life and death for the kitten.

This exam gives you valuable baseline information to help you know if your kitten is thriving or in trouble.

Dr. Laurie Peek of the Maddie’s Fund^® Executive Leadership Team, a veterinarian and experienced kitten foster, created this how-to video demonstrating how to give a basic exam, beginning with the first moment you start caring for the kitten.

Watch below, and don’t forget to share with your foster homes!