Fading kitten syndrome
How to help a kitten with fading kitten syndrome?
At our cat house, we recently experienced this. Despite our best efforts, one of our newborn kittens: Lala didn’t survive the night.
This loss was heartbreaking and serves as a painfull reminder of how fragile these little lives can be, but sometimes, even our best efforts aren’t enough.
Fading Kitten Syndrome is a serious condition that can strike seemingly healthy kittens without warning.
If you ever experience this, it is crucial to recognize the symptons:
Low body temperature
The kittens feels cool or cold to the touch.
Extreme lethargy
The kitten is not getting up, unable to stand, not responding when petted and can’t hold its head up.
Gasping for breath
The kitten is gasping for some air.
Meowing
The kitten may cry out, indicating distress.
You must raise both the kitten’s body temperature and blood sugar, or it will not survive.
The normal body temperature in a kitten or puppy between 2-3 weeks old ranges from 97-100°F. The normal body temperature of a 4-week old kitten or puppy ranges from 99-101°F. After 4 weeks, the normal body temperature of a kitten or puppy starts to reach a normal adult cat or dog temperature range of 100.5-102.5°F.
What can you do?
Warm them up
Wrap the kitten in a towel, leaving only its face exposed. Make sure the entire body, including the tail, ears and paws are covered. Place a heating pad set on low around the towel for extra warmth. Avoid unwrapping the kitten, as even brief exposure can cause it to cool down again.
Raise blood sugar
After warming up the kitten, give a few drops of sugar water (mix equal parts sugar and warm water until dissolved) or Karo Syrup every 3 minutes, using a non-needle syringe. If the kitten isn’t swallowing, gently rub some on its gums and tongue. Consistency is essential! This can be life saving.
Keep in mind that it can sometimes take hours for affected kittens to recover and start acting normally again. Even with all the love, attention and perfect treatment, some kittens still won’t make it.
Please educate yourself on Fading Kitten Syndrome so your quick response could save a life.