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Cats/Fatal Birth Defects

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Expert: - 6/5/2009


Question
Can you tell me if the "fading kitten syndrome" has anything to do with newborn kittens losing blood when they use the bathroom.  I ask because we had taken a stray cat about a month and two weeks ago.  She had just walked up tome and followed me inside.  We later found at that she was pregnant, but she looks younger than a year old.  Her kittens were born on Monday, June 1, 2009.  All of her babies died on Wednesday, June 3, 2009.  I would like to know the exact cause.  I feel guilty because the cat is still searching for her babies, even though we showed her their bodies.

Answer
Hi Courtney,

Sorry about the loss of the kittens. It sounds like yours died because the mom was too young and she might have injured them by accident. It could have been while cleaning them, while removing the umbilical cord , or just laying on them. Or because she was young, it could have been a birth defect in the kittens.

Fading Kitten Syndrome is just what it sounds like. The kitten starts off getting weak. It loses weight, and gets thin. Then it will die. FKS can be from many things. It can be from birth defects, parasites, getting chilled, injured during birth,or just from the mother's malnutrition. This is one reason why there aren't larger feral cat colonies around. The kittens die off from this.

It sounds like the mom trusts you and has adopted you. She sounds like she was someones pet before. She either got lost or was dumped. Get her fixed and keep her inside. You will be happy you did so. And you will be saving a life. Having a cat around brings a quiet comfort to the home. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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