Newborn kittens are such precious little things that require so much love and care - especially if their mother can't be there for them.
Most newborn kittens require round-the-clock care from their human foster parents and that includes close monitoring for symptoms of distress.
Fading kitten syndrome isn't one single disease, but a combination of many underlying causes that lead to rapidly declining health and even death. Caregivers who recognize the signs can act quickly with the proper treatment when it is necessary.
What Causes Fading Kitten Syndrome?
According to veterinary technician, Ellen Carozza, there are many things that can cause a kitten's health to take a dramatic turn for the worse:
- Environmental factors
- Congenital defects
- Parasites
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Even human error while hand-raising them
Kittens' bodies typically don't have strong enough immune systems to combat most things. If the little one contracts even a small bout of diarrhea, their health can rapidly decline with the additional symptoms of dehydration and hypothermia.
These three combined can trigger fading kitten syndrome, but if you recognize the signs - you can stop it before it even starts...
Newborn kittens are so fragile, and for the first few days of their lives, all they can do is meow. It takes lots of attention and care to keep a little kitten from getting too hot or too cold.
If orphaned, they need a human caregiver to do everything their mama would have done: feed them, clean them and even stimulate bowel movements.
While closely monitoring your kitten, you'll want to be aware of the signs of fading kitten syndrome.
Symptoms:
- Lethargy
- Lack of interest in nursing
- Sleeping separately from the litter
- Whining
- Skin feels less elastic (a symptom of dehydration)
- A gaunt and triangular looking face (a sign of not enough nutrition)
Your kitten may also not gain weight - or worse even lose weight. To be sure that they're on the right track, weigh your kittens daily and compare them to their brothers and sisters.
If you notice any of these signs, bring that baby to the vet immediately. It could be too late if you wait until the next day.
Treatment Options:
If you are a rescuer or a foster parent, you'll want to learn the following advanced kitten care skills. Talk to a licensed veterinary professional and ensure that you learn how to administer this kind of care under their guidance and supervision first:
- Tube feeding
- Subcutaneous fluid therapy
- Proper administration of iron, vitamin B12 or dextrose
The most important thing to know is that waiting is not an option when it comes to fading kitten syndrome. Carozza tells PetMed that "by acting quickly, understanding the symptoms, and working with the right veterinary team, the chance of survival goes up exponentially, the biggest killer to these little guys is waiting."
[h/t PetMed]