- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Caring for newborn kittens, whether they’ve been orphaned or still have their mom, can be incredibly rewarding. However, fading kitten syndrome (FKS) can be a devastating setback.
“Fading kitten syndrome—also known as neonatal fading syndrome or fading kitten complex—refers to a condition where newborn kittens fail to thrive and succumb to illness within the first few weeks of life,” explains veterinarian Sylvalyn Hammond.
Hammond says kittens can overcome FKS with timely medical care, and many survivors of FKS will have a typical lifespan. However, many kittens do not pull through, despite medical attention and your best efforts.
Below, learn more about the potential causes of FKS and what you can do to help very young kittens thrive.
When Does Fading Kitten Syndrome Develop?
FKS develops in the first weeks of a kitten’s life. This condition affects 15%-27% of kittens before 9 weeks of age. It most often occurs between 1 and 6 weeks of age. It can affect older kittens, too, but Dr. Hammond says most cases occur in the first week of a kitten’s life.
The risk of FKS gradually decreases as kittens develop a stronger immune system and gain more independence.
By 4 weeks of age, kittens can start eating solid food and no longer rely only on milk for essential nutrients, which significantly reduces their risk of FKS, says Jonathan Yashari, an emergency veterinarian and medical director at Veterinary Emergency Group.
That said, orphaned kittens and kittens with underlying health problems may still have a risk of FKS beyond 4 weeks if they don’t receive proper care and nutrition.
What Causes Fading Kitten Syndrome?
Many underlying factors can overwhelm a newborn kitten’s fragile immune system and lead to FKS, including:
Inadequate nutrition
Not getting enough milk is a frequent culprit in fading kitten syndrome, says Dr. Yashari. This can happen for several reasons:
- Large litters: A mother cat might not produce enough milk for all of her kittens, leaving some malnourished.
- Suckling problems: Weak or underdeveloped kittens may struggle to latch or suckle effectively. Other kittens may have birth defects that affect their ability to nurse, such as a cleft palate.
- Maternal neglect: Stressed or inexperienced mothers may refuse to nurse their young.
- Orphan kittens: Kittens left without their mother lack access to milk.
Environmental stressors
According to Dr. Yashari, environmental stressors can significantly increase a kitten’s risk of developing FKS. Exposure to harsh conditions such as extreme cold, extreme heat, or a dirty resting area can raise this risk by as much as 40%.
In comparison, the risk of FKS remains relatively low in well-managed catteries or breeding facilities, where it’s thought to affect less than 5% of kittens.
Bacterial infections
Nursing kittens have weak immune systems and are vulnerable to bacterial infections. The bacteria can invade a kitten’s weakened system through the umbilical cord or unsanitary environments and lead to sepsis. This widespread infection can causes organ and tissue damage. Some bacterial infections can also spread between littermates.
Viral infections
A mother cat’s milk is rich in antibodies that help protect kittens’ immature immune systems. Kittens who don’t get enough milk, especially the first milk called colostrum, are more vulnerable to viral infections.
This vulnerability increases again after kittens have weaned. This is why it’s important to complete your kitten’s vaccination series, which typically begins around the age of 8 weeks. These vaccinations help protect against common viruses that can easily spread between littermates.
Parasites
Parasites can significantly weaken a kitten’s health and contribute to FKS. They can also cause secondary diseases.
- Fleas, ticks, and hookworms all feed on a kitten’s blood. This blood loss can lead to anemia, weakness, and stunted growth.
- Roundworms and tapeworms attach themselves to the inner lining of a kitten’s intestines, stealing essential nutrients needed for growth and development. Kittens can be born with roundworms or tapeworms if their mom is infected.
- Giardia causes infections that can lead to dehydration and malnutrition.
While parasite prevention is crucial for cats, many medications aren’t safe for newborns and small kittens. If you think your kitten has parasites, your vet can recommend the safest and most effective parasite control.
How To Prevent Fading Kitten Syndrome
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent FKS, Dr. Hammond says.
However, caregivers can significantly improve a kitten’s chances by focusing on the mother cat’s health and paying attention to any signs of illness in newborn kittens.
Here’s how to give your furry little ones the best shot at a healthy life:
- Get prenatal vet checkups: “Ensure the mother cat receives proper veterinary care during pregnancy, including vaccinations, parasite prevention, and a balanced diet,” Dr. Hammond says. A healthy mom is more likely to have healthy kittens.
- Monitor the mother’s health: Regularly check the mother cat throughout pregnancy and nursing for signs of illness. Consulting your vet at the first signs of illness can prevent complications for both mom and kittens.
- Make sure the mother gets proper nutrition: Dr. Hammond recommends a balanced, high-quality diet specifically formulated for pregnant and nursing cats.
- Maintain a clean and stress-free environment: Make sure the mother cat and her kittens have a clean and hygienic living space. Keep noise levels down, avoid overcrowding, and handle the kittens only when necessary for the first few weeks. Newborn kittens can’t regulate their body temperature, so provide a warm, draft-free environment with heating pads or heat lamps.
- Support nursing and bonding: Make sure kittens have unrestricted access to their mom for nursing. Weight loss and failing to gain weight are key indicators of FKS, so daily weight checks can help you detect FKS early. If needed, you can use specialized kitten milk replacer formulas for proper nutrition. Never give kittens cow’s milk or other substitutes.
- Close observation: Without disrupting the mother cat, check kittens for any signs of illness like lethargy, poor appetite, or breathing difficulties.
- Ask a vet: When in doubt, get more guidance from a vet experienced in feline reproduction and newborn care. They can offer valuable advice on preventive measures and early intervention strategies.
Keep in mind that FKS isn’t your fault. You can’t always prevent it, and even prompt treatment won’t always save a fading kitten.
Signs Of Fading Kitten Syndrome
Signs of FKS can show up differently, depending on the underlying cause. If you notice any of the following, contact your vet immediately:
- Inability to gain weight
- Pale gums or tongue
- Low body temperature (hypothermia)
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite or weight loss
- Difficulty suckling
- Excessive crying or mewing
- Dehydration, which may include sunken eyes, dry mucous membranes, and a lack of skin elasticity
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bloated abdomen
- Difficulty breathing
What To Do If You Think Your Kitten Is Fading
If you suspect that your kitten might be “fading,” visit an emergency vet as soon as possible. Immediate care gives kittens the best chance of survival.
“The time from the onset of fading kitten syndrome to a potentially fatal outcome can vary,” says Alejandro Caos, a veterinarian with The Vets. “In some cases, it can progress rapidly within a few hours to a couple of days, while in others, it may take several days to a week.”
You can also provide care at home—but only as temporary support while you wait for emergency veterinary care.
Warm them up
- Wrap the kitten in a towel, like a burrito, leaving only their face exposed.
- Add a secondary heat source, like a heating pad or hot water bottle, outside of the towel. The heat source should be warm, but not hot, to prevent burns.
- Avoid unwrapping the kitten, as this can result in lost body heat. Keep this heat source on so the kitten stays warm. Check in with your vet before you switch it off. Your vet can provide more guidance at your appointment.
Raise their blood sugar
- Fill a syringe without a needle tip with Nutrical, Karo syrup, or warm sugar water.
- Apply a few droplets to the kitten’s gums every 3 minutes.
- Avoid double-dipping the syringe into the solution, since this can cause cross-contamination.
FKS can be a very difficult experience for pet parents, foster caregivers, and veterinary professionals. According to Dr. Yashari, it’s a challenging condition to treat. Even with the best veterinary care, the survival rate can be low, especially when intervention is delayed or the underlying cause is severe.
How Is Fading Kitten Syndrome Diagnosed?
Dr. Yashari says a vet will diagnose FKS through a comprehensive examination of your kitten. This may include:
- Vital signs assessment (temperature, pulse, and respiration rate)
- Hydration check
- Blood sugar level evaluation
- Blood tests
Additional tests may be needed based on your kitten’s specific symptoms.
How Is Fading Kitten Syndrome Treated?
Treatment plans vary by kitten and their underlying conditions. This chart shows some of the common treatment plans for FKS.
Cause or contributing factor | Possible treatments |
Inadequate nutrition | Supplemental feeding with a kitten milk replacer formula through bottle-feeding or tube-feeding. “Feeding should be done around the clock, every 2 to 4 hours, to ensure sufficient caloric intake,” Dr. Yashari says. |
Viral infections | Antiviral medication and IV fluids. |
Bacterial infection | Broad-spectrum antibiotics. |
Congenital defects | Feeding tubes or surgery. |
Diarrhea | Anti-diarrheal medications to help control fluid loss and prevent further dehydration. |
Dehydration | Subcutaneous (under the skin) or intravenous (into a vein) fluid therapy. |
Hypoglycemia | Glucose solutions given orally or intravenously to stabilize blood sugar levels. |
Hypothermia | Warming the kitten slowly with towels, heating pads, and other sources of warmth. |
Fading Kitten Syndrome Prognosis
The prognosis of FKS is generally poor, but that isn’t a reflection on you, Dr. Hammond emphasizes.
If you’re doing the important work of caring for newborn kittens, don’t get discouraged if a kitten under your care develops FKS. This syndrome perplexes even the best veterinarians.
Dr. Hammond offers hope. “Kittens can survive fading kitten syndrome, especially when they have a diligent caretaker, underlying causes can be quickly identified, and supportive care and treatments are started as quickly as possible. Most surviving kittens are likely to live full, healthy lives.”