Fading Kitten Syndrome
How to Recognize the Signs and Possibly Save a Young Cat’s Life
What Is Fading Kitten Syndrome?
Did you know that 20-40% of all kittens don’t make it past 12 weeks of age? The majority of these deaths are attributed to Fading Kitten Syndrome, which refers to problems that developed in the womb, during birth, or even during nursing, that can cause a kitten’s death. The highest number of deaths are due to birth defects, either ones you can see at birth or ones that might not be discovered until after the kitten has passed away. Kittens whose mother wasn’t fed a proper diet during pregnancy have higher fatality numbers as well. Once a kitten makes it past 12 weeks old, they normally survive.
The Causes Fading Kitten Syndrome Include:
- Birth defects
- Uterine Malnutrition, causing weakness and low birth weight
- Traumatic birth process
- Mother’s neglect
- Blood type problems, kitten’s blood type not matching mother’s
- Disease (both viral and bacterial)
- Parasites
Treating Fading Kitten Syndrome
Many of the causes of Fading Kitten Syndrome can be treated if detected early enough. Once one realizes that a kitten is weak, thin, or losing weight, reaction time is crucial! Not all the possible causes, however, can be treated. If a kitten has already been nursing from its mother before it is discovered that their blood types do not match, there is nothing that can be done. If one kitten passes away and other kittens in the litter begin to show signs of fading, having the deceased kitten examined may help save the other kittens if the cause can be determined.
How Can Fading Kitten Syndrome Be Prevented?
Early detection is the key to saving as many kittens as possible. When kittens are born, they should be examined thoroughly for birth defects. Kittens should be weighed each day to make sure that they are thriving. All pregnant and nursing cats should be fed high quality, nutritious diets. Also, if you notice any signs that a kitten may be fading, get them to the veterinarian as quickly as possible because some of the causes must be caught early in order to save the kitten.
Coping with the Loss of a Kitten
Sometimes, no matter how hard we’ve worked to save a kitten, there is simply nothing we can do. Once you’ve raised a kitten from birth, whether due to a planned breeding, the rescue of a feral pregnant mom, or the discovery of an abandoned kitten on your doorstep, you come to love and bond with the little angel, and their loss will affect you deeply. Remember, though, that they could feel your love for them, and they know how much you cared and how hard you fought for them. Their little life did serve a purpose because you have become a better person while caring for them!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
