What is Early Death?
It is important to note that early kitten deaths are more prominent in pedigree cats, especially concerning the development of physical birth defects. If a specific complication is discovered, there are measures to take to prevent the death of a kitten early on.
Unfortunately, it is inevitable that some kittens in a litter may perish as cats are extremely fragile in that beginning stage of life. Many kittens that succumb within the first few weeks of life between birth and weaning are often said to have been afflicted with 'fading kitten syndrome.' Typically, around 75% to 95% of kittens make it to 8 weeks of age. Of those, however, about 20% to 40% may not survive beyond 12 weeks. Those percentages can fluctuate depending on the specific breed. Of all the breeds, Persian kittens are known to be some of the most susceptible to high mortality rates.
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Symptoms of Early Death in Cats
As there can be an undetermined number of causes of death in kittens, the signs they present vary and are sometimes not noticeable at all. Below are some of the signs your kittens may show to indicate an ailment that can potentially lead to early mortality:
- Abruptly stop nursing
- Failure to suckle at all
- Lie separately away from the litter
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Restlessness/refusal to sleep between feedings
- Frequent crying
Causes of Early Death in Cats
Causes of early death in kittens are attributed to complications pre-birth, during birth, around the weaning period, or even issues with the mother alone or the environment.
Pre-birth
- Congenital abnormalities (e.g. cleft palate, skeletal defects)
- Uterine malnutrition (typically in large litters due to competition)
Birthing process
- Dystocia (difficult birth)
- Hypothermia
- Hypoxia (lack of oxygen)
- Low birth weight
Weaning period
- Neonatal isoerythrolysis (kitten and queen may not have compatible blood types)
- Inadequate milk intake
- Excessive loss of fluid
- Infectious diseases (bacterial, viral, parasitic)
Problems with Queen
- Inadequate nutrition
- First litter (inexperienced queen; may lead to trauma, neglect or cannibalism)
- Older queen
- Extended labor
Environmental factors
- Over-handling
- Poor hygiene
- Extreme temperatures
- Overcrowding
Diagnosis of Early Death in Cats
It is not always simple to determine the cause of, or predict, early death, so approaching a diagnosis can prove difficult. There are some major signs to look out for such as rapid weight loss or if the kitten stops nursing. If symptoms are present in over 20% of the litter, then you can submit a newly expired kitten to undergo a full post mortem examination to narrow down a specific cause.
There are other areas a veterinarian will wish to investigate, many of which you can assist with by keeping thorough records. Noting the environment can help determine if it plays a factor. Also, your veterinarian may want to examine the queen as well as both healthy and ill kittens. This examination can include blood samples, and stool samples can also be taken as they will help reveal the presence of parasites.
For kitten death within a breeding cattery, it is important that records are kept, and that you consistently take note of any ailments that may occur with kittens and cats. Your veterinarian will also wish to know the specific management of the cattery such as hygiene, feeding, and vaccinations.
Treatment of Early Death in Cats
Only once a cause is discovered can treatment occur in kittens that have not yet expired. Many of the treatments below may often require hospitalization in order for the veterinarian to monitor the afflicted kittens.
Antibiotics
If a bacterial infection is discovered, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics. As kittens are still building up their immune systems, it is essential to give the antibiotics exactly as prescribed in order to adequately treat the infection. Otherwise, an infection may return, or your kitten may become resistant to that particular antibiotic.
Medication for Parasites
The signs of a parasite are not always specific, but once discovered, treatment should be prompt in order to present worsening of a kitten's condition or the spread to others including fellow kittens and even humans. Your veterinarian will order specific medication to treat the parasite, and this medication, like antibiotics, must be used as prescribed. Signs of recovery may appear slowly over time, and your kitten may become infected once again by the same parasite. A reoccurrence can be prevented due to proper parasite management and control.
Surgery
If possible, surgery may be sought for kittens with birth defects. However, some may not be able to receive surgery until they are a particular age. For instance, a kitten born with a cleft palate may undergo correction surgery once they are 3 months old or more. There are certain defects that, even with surgery, may only prolong the inevitable death of your kitten as in the case with severe spina bifida. Surgical procedures to cover the spinal cord may be conducted, but depending on the severity, some opt for humanely euthanizing the kitten instead.
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Recovery of Early Death in Cats
Prompt veterinary care is essential to managing the remaining kittens once the cause of early death has been discovered. If an infection has been treated with antibiotics, it is important to monitor the kitten to be sure they are free from the bacteria.
Good sanitation is also important, especially if parasites have been found in a kitten. This can be managed through proper cleaning and disinfecting of areas. Those handling the kittens should also maintain proper hygiene to lower the risks of spreading any disease.
When it comes to the queen, she should be kept calm at all times to lower the risk of trauma and anxiety. Managing her diet is also essential to helping the kittens properly develop pre-birth as well as allowing for appropriate milk release.
Concerning birth defects, some are manageable such as deformities of the eye. Through proper care, a kitten can grow to live a long and good life.
Early Death Average Cost
From 431 quotes ranging from $75 - $150
Average Cost
$100
Top
Early Death Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Stray kitten
3weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
No Intrest In Food Lathargic Delayed Breathing Nerve Or Muscle Reflex
The kitten will not feed on its own we hand feed its breaths very lightly weak and the muscle or nerves are causing the body to contort
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 15, 2020
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Shorthair
One Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Depression
My cat had 3 kittens a few days ago, unfortunately 2 have died. Her moods very down & she's now ignoring the surviving kitten.
Sept. 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
I hope that your pet is okay. If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment that might be needed.
Oct. 24, 2020
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Kitten
8 weeks
8 found this helpful
8 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Breathing Difficulty
He’s breathing hard struggling
July 17, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
8 Recommendations
Hello-
If he is struggling to breath he needs to see a veterinarian immediately. If yours is not open I would recommend heading to the ER to have him evaluated. They can evaluate him, give oxygen if needed,
perform chest x-rays to assess the underlying cause. From there they can give you a treatment plan and prognosis. I hope he feels better soon!
July 17, 2020
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Domestic short hair Tabby
Miss Nala and her babies
2 Days
44 found this helpful
44 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Premature Labor
My cat just had her kittens day before
yesterday. She had five of them. After they were born, she only took care of two of them, the other 3 were left uncleaned, so I stepped up with my dental floss and started removing the placenta and cleaning them up. When I got to the 3rd one, I noticed his intestines were coming out where the umbilical cord is attached. Rushed it to vet and they put it to sleep. The vet said it was born way to early. When I got back home I noticed momma cat was not laying with her babies, and they were very cold to the touch. I made her lay down by the babies and put the babies up by her, that's when I noticed they were not attaching to the nibbles. And that's also when I noticed momma had no milk.
Which made sense beings they were born premature. I went to walmart got the replacement milk and bottles. Bottles didn't work cause kittens couldn't attach or suck, so I was feeding them every 2 hours around the clock with a medicine dropper. I woke up at 3 this morning and one had died., back up at 5, and everybody was fine. Up at 7, another had died. And I noticed while feeding them they were cold, even tho I had heating pads in their box, their little bodies felt wet and cold. I fed the remaining two and about a hour later I went in the room and another one had died. I got the other one and cuddled with it and it just took its last breath in my arms about 30 minutes ago. I'm heart broken, I feel I've failed and done something wrong. After getting on here and seeing where premature kittens need to be feed by tube. The vet didnt say anything about that, all she said was to use a dropper and put it in the side of the mouth towards the back, that way it forces them to swallow. Please tell me I didn't kill these babies by feeding them.. oh I feel so awful.. When do momma cats start producing milk when they are pregnant? Trying to determine how early the babies were born. They didnt have hair on their bellies, legs or feet, and the bare skin was really wrinkled. Any experts out there know about how early the were born, and what causes the intestines to come out like that.. Thank you very much.
Sept. 2, 2018
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DOMESTIC
Feisty
11 Months
11 found this helpful
11 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Labor And Preemie
My 11 month old cat went into labor. A preemie was born then labor stopped 24 hours later 2 more preemie born.. All stillborn. I don't know if she is still pregnant. She is eating and drinking
June 10, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
11 Recommendations
It can be difficult to know if Feisty is still pregnant without knowing how many kittens she had. If she is eating and drinking and bright and happy, you may not need to worry, and she may be finished with her labor. If she is straining, not eating, becomes lethargic, or has any abnormal discharge, it would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian, as they can take an x-ray and see if she has retained kittens or placentas that are going to cause problems.
June 10, 2018
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dsh
Peanut
2 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Rapid Breathing
Rapid Breathing, Cold, Crying, Weak
Rapid Breathing, Cold
My little furball just died in my arms, wrapped in a heating pad. I've been raising cats for over 10 years and my heart breaks when this happens. No more kittens. Peanut will be spayed soon, as I can't go thru this anymore either. My prayers with all of you.
Early Death Average Cost
From 431 quotes ranging from $75 - $150
Average Cost
$100
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
