Overview:

Kittens, especially very young kittens in the first two weeks of life are very vulnerable. Kittens can fade & die extremely quickly, so it is always important for the carer to keep a close eye on the kittens & how they are thriving.

What are the causes of fading kitten syndrome?

There are many possible causes of fading syndrome which can be infectious or non-infectious. Some of which include;

Non infectious:

• Congenital defect. Cleft palate, flat chest, umbilical hernia and other abnormalities.
• Environmental temperature too hot or too cold (hyperthermia/hypothermia). Especially in the first week because newborn kittens are unable to regulate body temperature by panting or shivering.
• Maternal neglect. This could be due to the mother being nervous, inexperienced or sick.
• Prematurity & or low birth weight. If just one kitten is undersized, then placental insufficiency is the likely cause, if the entire litter are undersized, a poorly nourished queen is a likely consideration. [1]
• Traumatic/difficult birth.
• Environmental toxins.
• Dehydration (vomiting, dehydration or lack of milk can all lead to dehydration)
• Neonatal isoerythrolysis (blood type incompatibility).
• Large litters with not enough nipples for the number of kittens.
• Inability of a smaller kitten to compete with other kittens
• Inadequate nutrition to the queen during pregnancy or after birth.

Infectious:

• Viral infections
• Bacterial infections
• Parasitic infections

Often there is no apparent cause for fading kitten syndrome.

What should I look out for?

As newborns, if kittens aren't eating, they are sleeping. Your suspicions there is something wrong should be raised if you see any of the following;

• Newborn kitten sleeping away from mother & siblings.
• Newborn kitten crying excessively.
• Newborn kitten not nursing.
• Weakness & weight loss.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.

It is advisable to keep a good track of each kitten & weigh them every day to ensure they are gaining weight. They should put on around 7 - 10 grams per day (there may be a large weight gain one day, and a small one another, but be aware of overall weight gain). Below is a rough timeline for normal kitten development.

• 0 – 3 days: The umbilical cord is still attached.
• 0 – 10 days: The eyes are closed.
• 2 weeks: The teeth start coming in.
• 2 weeks: The kitten begins to stand, the eyes and ears open.
• 4 weeks: The kitten begins playing and exploring her environment.  

How is fading kitten syndrome treated?

Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination of the kitten(s) & obtain a medical history from you. Questions asked may include maternal nutrition during & after pregnancy, the delivery, how she is mothering the kittens, possible exposures to chemicals, toxins & infections. He will also be interested in the blood type of the queen, if that is known.

If a cause is found, then treatment is aimed at addressing the underlying condition. This may include;

• Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.
• Treatment of parasites.
• Fluids to treat dehydration.
• Bottle or tube feeding.

Even with aggressive treatment, often kittens are too weak to pull through. It is incredibly important to seek veterinary attention the moment you see a kitten acting out of sorts. If several kittens die it may be worth having a necropsy performed to see if a cause can be determined, especially if you plan to mate the mother again.

References:

[1] Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook - Delbert G. Carlson & James M. Giffin.