Why Did My Kitten Die?

[krsongbi]

On February 27th my cat Lilly gave birth to five beautiful kittens. She had 4 girls and 1 boy.

Today is April 25, 2003. I came home from work and normally all five kittens are waiting at the door...only four came. The little boy was missing. I searched and found him dead in my living room. I thought my heart would break.

I called the vet and asked what could have gone wrong and she said something about Kitten Fading Syndrome? The kitten was fine this morning. He was nursing on his mom and eating. Thanks for your help. I can hardly write this without crying.

[Traci]

I'm so very sorry, what a heartbreaking experience for you.

It's impossible to know for sure without a necropsy done by your vet. I would respect that you may not be able to have that done, it can be an emotional issue for some owners.

A couple possibilities could be that he injured himself in some way when you were gone. (taken a fall, strangled, or got into something toxic). But, again, those are possibilities. I would take a look around your home for any tell-tale signs of spilled chemicals or toxins, plants that may have been nibbled, obvious signs of items that could have caused injury.

Fading kitten syndrome is usually a progressive problem. Meaning that a kitten will start feeling sickly very soon after birth or shortly thereafter. Symptoms may include inability to nurse, weight loss, lethargy, poor growth, anorexia, fever, anemia etc. There are numerous causes to fading kitten syndrome, but because you said he had been fine, eating, and nursing, etc, it doesn't really seem like fading syndrome.

To protect your remaining kittens (and the queen), please take the queen and her kittens to your vet for exams. He can test the mother for FELV/FIV, can check for parasites (worms or fleas) and determine the overall health of both her and her kittens. Please play it safe and get them seen immediately.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know it's a painful experience. (((HUGS)))

[kate & kobi]

That's such a difficult thing to have happen! I'm so sorry for you and your whole kitty-family. I don't have any words of advice, except try not to blame yourself, it was not your fault ... God gives and also takes away, and sometimes we can't control it. Nonetheless please follow Traci's advice to see if you can catch any underlying problems.

My heart goes out to you!

(((hugs)))

[Susan and the girls]

I am so sorry about your kitty. I know how terrible it can be to lose a precious kitten like that. I don't have any answers for you, except to recommend that you follow Traci's suggestions in her post.

(((HUGS))))

[Ron]

I'm so very sorry to hear this sad news about your sweet little kitten. Losing a pet is always such a sad event. I'm sending my deepest wishes that all of the others will remain happy and healthy

[Auntie Debbie]

and I agree with Traci that Fading Kitten Syndrome is doubtful, especially at his age. But as she pointed out, there are numerous other possibilities and having the mother and siblings seen by your vet is a very good idea to ensure their good health.
I am so sorry you have lost the little guy and I will keep him in my prayers for happiness across the bridge.
(((HUGS)))

[krsongbi]

Thanks so much to you all for the loving support and quick responses to my sad event of finding my little boy kitten dead when I got home from work.

When I get paid again next week I will get Miss Lilly and the girls into see the vet as suggested by Traci. I know that is the hazzard of loving any living thing, but it is so much easier to know there are people who understand and are so kind.

I hope I can be of help myself. I four little girl kittens now that need good loving homes. I pray that they will find wonderful homes with fine people like yourselves!

I have two guinea pigs and two female adult cats, and two male cats. Living alone it is so nice to come home to another heartbeat.

Thanks so much for caring and supporting me after such a sad loss.

Karen Ruth

[Traci]

Karen, each one of us has lost a special furbaby at one time or another. It's hard when we lose one, but so easy to love them so much!

I'm glad you found us, hope you'll post often

[Auntie Debbie]

Thanks so much to you all for the loving support and quick responses to my sad event of finding my little boy kitten dead when I got home from work.

Karen,
You might be able to get your kitties seen by your vet sooner if you offer a pre-dated check. Just explain to him that you've just lost one of the kittens and that you are concerned for the rest. Not knowing what caused his death, it would be better to have the rest seen by your vet ASAP. I hope it willl be just a precaution and that they are all fine! Please keep us posted, ok?