Fading Kitten Syndrome

Very young kittens can quickly deteriorate (commonly referred to as fading kitten syndrome or crashing). Fading Kitten Syndrome (FKS) is a set of symptoms that cause a neonatal kitten to fail to thrive.

While (FKS) is not a disease, it is a series of life-threatening symptoms in which the kitten’s health quickly declines and may lead to death without quick medical attention. Kittens under 6 weeks old are extremely fragile. Their body temperature needs to stay warmer than you may think and can drop very quickly. They are tiny and extremely susceptible to a multitude of illnesses and diseases, and they can become very sick very quickly if they are not eating or especially getting enough fluids. It is important to recognise the symptoms and know the steps to take when you are faced with a fading kitten.

Know the Signs:

Lethargy – not getting up, unable to stand or move, limp. Cold to the touch – cold ears, cold body, cold feet (especially the bottom of their feet). Unresponsive – very young kittens will still respond to touch and stimulation when. Gasping for breath. Crying out in a way that seems like the kitten is in pain or struggling. Pale gums – a healthy kitten’s gums should be bright or dark pink – if they turn pale Dehydration. Loss of weight. Decreased interest in food, looking generally gaunt they are healthy and thriving or even white, you need to move fast.

What to do if things go wrong:

1. Use Emergency Medical Contact Procedure

2. Get the Kitten Warm - Even though you have provided your kitten with a heat source, you must now apply additional heat for this kitten – remember to never apply a heat source directly to the kitten’s body as this can cause serious burning and even overheating.

   • The best thing you can do in this situation is called a “Burrito Roll.” Take a heating pad, place a blanket or towel over the pad, place the kitten on top of that (with the kitten’s head near the edge) and wrap the kitten up in your double layer “burrito” so that the kitten is completely rolled up in the heating pad and blanket.

   • Make sure it is not too tight so that the kitten can breathe, and that the kitten’s face is easily accessible for your next step.

   • If you do not have a heating pad you can warm blankets or towels up in a dryer and wrap your kitten/s.

3. Get the Blood Sugar back Up - A cold kitten should not be given food or started on this third step. Once their body is no longer cold to the touch, their ears have warmed up, or the pads of their feet are no longer cold, you can start step three. Apply a small amount of honey or syrup to the gums, once the kitten has licked it off repeat until the kitten becomes more active and alert.