Fading Kitten Syndrome is what is used to describe the situation when a kitten dies aged under 12 weeks old. These kittens often fail to thrive and to grow and develop as they should. FKS is similar to SIDs in humans and can be referred to a "mystery illness" when often the exact cause of death is unknown. Most often kittens affected by Fading Kitten Syndrome are born into an unhealthy environment or to a sickly, weak mother cat.

Prevention of FKS starts before the kittens are even born. Properly caring for the mother cat while she is pregnant will give the kittens the healthiest start in life. make sure the mother is eating a healthy and nutritious diet, as what she eats is passed on to the baby kittens. A mother cat that is healthy and doesn't have obesity or other illnesses will have the healthiest kittens.

Keep your eyes out for birth defects. A thorough examination should spot obvious signs of defects. However some birth defects remain unnoticed until the kitten gets sick or even dies. Sometimes a kitten can be injured during a long and stressful birth. A healthy mother cat may not need your assistance, but keep an eye on her during birthing ready to step in if you are needed. Sometimes a mother can cannibalize her kittens so keep an close watch.

Newborn kittens are still not out of the danger zone. Occasionally a kitten will have a different blood type to their mother cat, this can cause this kitten to get sick. There is no treatment known as yet. Other kittens in the litter must be taken from the mother cat and hand-reared. A different blood type happens more often in pure-breeds, but is still quite rare. More likely scenario is a kitten being undernourished due to being pushed away at feeding time by his litter-mates. From time to time a mother cat will reject her own kittens, and the owner needs to step in and hand-raise the kittens.

The environment the kittens live in can also influence cases of Fading Kitten Syndrome. Baby kittens are not equipped to keep themselves warm. They need their mother. Parasites, bacteria, viruses and hypothermia, dehydration and environmental diseases can all play a part in FKS.

It is possible to be cautious about FKS, but it is not always possible to reverse its effects. Giving the mother cat a healthy and nutritious diet during pregnancy and weaning will help keep the kittens healthy. Also provide a safe clean place for the birth will help also. Keep an eye on the development of the kittens for any signs of slow growth or paternal neglect on the part of the mother cat.

Understanding what Fading Kitten Syndrome is can help you prevent it from happening. The earlier it is spotted the more likely the outcome will be favorable.