Fading Kitten Syndrome is what is used to describe the situation when a kitten dies aged under 12 weeks old. These kittens often fail to thrive and to grow and develop as they should. FKS is similar to SIDs in humans and can be referred to a "mystery illness" when often the exact cause of death is unknown. Most often kittens affected by Fading Kitten Syndrome are born into an unhealthy environment or to a sickly, weak mother cat.
To reduce the chances of Fading Kitten Syndrome, it is a good idea to look after the pregnant mother especially well. She needs to eat a diet suitable for her pregnant status and be as healthy as possible. Obesity in a mother cat can cause problems for her kittens, it is best not to intentionally breed an obese cat.
Keep your eyes out for birth defects. A thorough examination should spot obvious signs of defects. However some birth defects remain unnoticed until the kitten gets sick or even dies. Sometimes a kitten can be injured during a long and stressful birth. A healthy mother cat may not need your assistance, but keep an eye on her during birthing ready to step in if you are needed. Sometimes a mother can cannibalize her kittens so keep an close watch.
Problems may arise even after a successful birth. A rare situation in which the blood type of one or more kittens differs from that of the mother can result in death. The condition affects pure-bred cats more often than mixed breeds. There is no known cure. A more frequent occurrence is that one kitten will be crowded out by his litter mates and will not be able to nurse enough to get adequate nutrition. If the mother cat rejects the litter and refuses to nurse the kittens, it is up to the owner to hand-rear the kittens.
The environment the kittens live in can also influence cases of Fading Kitten Syndrome. Baby kittens are not equipped to keep themselves warm. They need their mother. Parasites, bacteria, viruses and hypothermia, dehydration and environmental diseases can all play a part in FKS.
It is not possible in some cases however, and there will always be some fatalities. Make sure the mother cat eats well during pregnancy and weaning. Watch for birth defects, signs of weakness or bacterial infections. If the mother cat isn't doing her job, step in and care for the kittens.
Knowing the probable causes of FKS will help you treat it properly. FKS is often fatal, but the earlier it is detected the greater the chances for survival. Pay attention to factors during pregnancy, birth, and weaning that may lead to FKS. Remember that healthy cats are more likely to give birth to healthy kittens. - 31851
To reduce the chances of Fading Kitten Syndrome, it is a good idea to look after the pregnant mother especially well. She needs to eat a diet suitable for her pregnant status and be as healthy as possible. Obesity in a mother cat can cause problems for her kittens, it is best not to intentionally breed an obese cat.
Keep your eyes out for birth defects. A thorough examination should spot obvious signs of defects. However some birth defects remain unnoticed until the kitten gets sick or even dies. Sometimes a kitten can be injured during a long and stressful birth. A healthy mother cat may not need your assistance, but keep an eye on her during birthing ready to step in if you are needed. Sometimes a mother can cannibalize her kittens so keep an close watch.
Problems may arise even after a successful birth. A rare situation in which the blood type of one or more kittens differs from that of the mother can result in death. The condition affects pure-bred cats more often than mixed breeds. There is no known cure. A more frequent occurrence is that one kitten will be crowded out by his litter mates and will not be able to nurse enough to get adequate nutrition. If the mother cat rejects the litter and refuses to nurse the kittens, it is up to the owner to hand-rear the kittens.
The environment the kittens live in can also influence cases of Fading Kitten Syndrome. Baby kittens are not equipped to keep themselves warm. They need their mother. Parasites, bacteria, viruses and hypothermia, dehydration and environmental diseases can all play a part in FKS.
It is not possible in some cases however, and there will always be some fatalities. Make sure the mother cat eats well during pregnancy and weaning. Watch for birth defects, signs of weakness or bacterial infections. If the mother cat isn't doing her job, step in and care for the kittens.
Knowing the probable causes of FKS will help you treat it properly. FKS is often fatal, but the earlier it is detected the greater the chances for survival. Pay attention to factors during pregnancy, birth, and weaning that may lead to FKS. Remember that healthy cats are more likely to give birth to healthy kittens. - 31851
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