Why did my newborn kitten die suddenly with fading kitten signs?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 29 days old | 0.5 lbs
I just had something awful happen. Had a litter of kittens - one of them was isolating herself, showing some signs of fading kitten syndrome, but when I brought her back to her mother she seemed fine. She wasn't sucking this morning, so I fed her with a syringe with no problems. This afternoon she was crying and alone, so I tried to feed her again, and she started spasming and died. Her head was forward - I saw her swallow. Did CPR for 20 minutes.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 30th, 2018
I am so sorry. Unfortunately there is a reason for kittens being pushed away by mom, or being separated: They usually have some birth defect and nature is cruel. It would take away energy and strength from the other kittens if it was to be raised or needed extra care. So there is a very high possibility that this kitten had a serious defect and therefore did not make it. There is also a reason for cats having up to three litters a year: Kitten mortality is high, especially in "the wild", so they have up to 18 kittens/year to make sure some survive. Again, I am very sorry you lost this baby.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on November 9th, 2017
I am so sorry for the loss of your kittens. Unfortunately some kitties just don’t make it due to a condition called fading kitten syndrome. This can cause up to 30% of the litter to suddenly pass between 2-4 weeks of age due to an underlying genetic defect. This isn’t something that you would have likely been able to help your kitties with so don’t blame yourself. Again I am sorry for your loss and at least the kitties are not suffering. May time help heal your grief over the loss of your kitties. Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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