Expert: Karen Craft - 7/14/2007

Question
Can you explain fading newborn syndrome? What can we do to avoid it? We had had many mother cats through the years lose little ones from several hours old to several days old. Sometimes there seemed to be no problem physically or with nursing at all. Sometimes the mother would not nurse as if she knew a particular kitten would not make it. We do not take ours to the vet, as we prefer homeopathy, herbal, or other natural means by which we deal with animal problems (unless life-threatening!), so medical introduction is not a preferable option. We have 10 healthy cats/kittens indoors and 10 outdoors at present and always have room for more as we love them dearly. Our best momma is due any day, and we don't want to go through another funeral time for any of her babies. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

Answer
Hi Sarah,

Fading Kitten Syndrome is a catch all name for when a kitten dies and they don't know why. You need three things to keep your newborns going. They have to be warm. This would be the number one killer of kittens. If the mom is not there all the time then put a heating pad,(set at low, under towels or a blanket so the kits stay warm. Make sure there is an area where they can get off the pad to cool down if they need to.

They need food and liquid. If the queen is not feeding them or you think they aren't getting enough supplement their feedings. Make sure you burp them after they eat. I am giving you a recipe for something called kitty glop. This stuff works wonders with kittens. I raised one of mine that was 4 hours old on this stuff and he's a bruiser now.

They need to be stimulated for elimination. The mom usually does this but if she doesn't you will have to. Do this after they eat. You take a cotton ball and wet it with warm water. Rub the kits private area to stimulate them to go. Kits will urinate more than they will defecate. Do this over the sink. The little buggers sometimes can really go.

Feed the mom kitten food. This helps her with her extra nutrional needs that she has now. Hopefully all will be well. But at least you be better prepared now. And if you have a runt that the mom doesn't want to be bothered with, well, he should now be able to make it. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen



KITTY GLOP




INGREDIENTS:
1 can evaporated milk (sweetened condensed)
2 tbsp. plain yogurt (not low or non fat)
2 tbsp. mayonnaise (real not light or No-Fat)
1 tbs. Karo Syrup (light)
1 pkg. Knox gelatin
1 egg yolk (beaten, )
1 cup Pedialyte (unflavored)
1 jar Stage One Baby food (chicken or turkey)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix milk, yogurt, mayonnaise, baby food, and syrup together well. Bring 1 cup pedialyte to boil and mix in Knox gelatin. Set aside. Mix egg yolk with small amount of milk mixture and beat well.

Add gelatin and pedialyte to milk mixture and beat well. Add in egg yolk mixture and beat well. Remember to not use egg substitute and keep egg white to a minimum.

Pour into bowl (with cover) and set in refrigerator. Glop will last for two weeks covered in refrigerator. Try freezing the mixture in ice cube trays and store the cubes in the freezer, thaw as many as needed.
Always warm glop to room temperature ,(milk form), or a little warmer, before feeding.