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Neonatal Mortality in Kittens

Without question, the first two weeks of life are the most perilous for kittens. Almost all kittens that die before weaning succumb during this critical time. Expected preweaning losses range from 10 to 30 percent, with approximately 65 percent of these deaths occurring during the first week of life (about half of which are stillbirths). Deaths after weaning are less common and normally don't exceed 1 to 2 percent.

When less dim two weeks of age, kittens aren't yet capable of regulating their body temperature. Their immune systems are still underdeveloped, and they are not yet able to maintain normal levels of blood sugar. As a result, hypothermia, low blood sugar, dehydration, and inadequate quantities of oxygen in the blood are common preludes to death for kittens in this age group, regardless of the initial cause.

Because of the limited number of ways neonatal kittens can respond to illness, most "fading kittens" exhibit the following:

1) low birth weight, loss of weight, and/or failure to gain weight;

2) diminished appetite and activity;

3) decreased muscle tone;

4) constant vocalization or restlessness early, but increasing quiet and inactivity later;

5) a tendency to remain separate from the queen and the rest of the litter.

A number of noninfectious causes of kitten death are most important during the early nursing period. Difficult or prolonged labor, cannibalism, maternal inattention or overattention, and lactation disorders are significant queen-related causes of neonatal mortality. Extremes of temperature and humidity, inadequate sanitation, overcrowding, and stress ultimately discourage nursing or allow hypothermia.

Neonates are relatively tolerant of hypoxia (low oxygen) In addition their haemoglobin type maximises the efficiency of oxygen transfer. It is therefore worthwhile persisting for some time in efforts to revive any kittens which appear reluctant to breathe.

Kittens have little thermoregulatory control over the first few weeks of life and depend on the warmth provided by their mother's body and a dry, warm nesting environment. Chilling will soon lead to depression of the suckling reflex with consequent hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) and death. Most queens have very strong maternal instincts and make good, attentive mothers. If a cosy nest box is provided the queen's body heat will ensure that the immediate nesting environment temperature is adequate. Again, it is important that the queen is settled in the nest box. If not she may constantly be moving the kittens, which can lead to chilling. Nest boxes should be made of material that can be suitably disinfected or discarded after use.

Neonatal mortality rates can be quite high - up to 10 per cent or more, and constitute the bulk of cases of deaths prior to weaning.

Regular suckling, particularly immediately after parturition, is vital. Neonates are vulnerable to hypoglycaemia and regular feeding is necessary to ensure this does not occur. Hypoglycaemia leads to suppression of the suckling reflex which accentuates the hypoglycaemia and will rapidly end in death.

Suckling in the first few days of life is also important to ensure that good levels of maternally derived immunity (MDI) are achieved. Negligible levels of antibodies are usually obtained by placental transfer prior to parturition and kittens depend on colostrum for MDI although colostral transfer may continue for up to 72 hours, most occurs within the first 24 hours and it is therefore vital that the kittens suckle well during this period.

Contented kittens spend around 90 per cent of their time sleeping for the first few weeks of life. they are born blind and their eyes begin to open seven to 10 days after birth. From around three weeks of age they become more adventurous, emerge from the nest box and begin to feed themselves, often sharing some of the queen's solid food before they learn to lap fluids.

The most common problems in kittens usually occur in utero or immediately after birth, or between birth and the first 12 weeks of life. Knowing about specific problems and diseases can help you recognize the signs of a true emergency and enable you to make the correct decisions for your kitten's safety and health.

Kittens that do not survive beyond 12 weeks of age are generally diagnosed with fading kitten syndrome. These kittens can slowly deteriorate, stop nursing, and grow profoundly weak and thin.

The exact cause of the fading kitten is usually not determined. If more than 20 percent of the litter is affected, submitting a recently expired kitten for post mortem examination to determine the cause of death may be helpful in preventing additional kitten losses.

Keeping your kitten healthy begins by identifying those risks and then managing them. Regular checkups, professional health care, routine exercise, and your own involvement through home care are vitally important to your new pet's health. And so is nutrition designed for your kitten's changing needs.