Emergency — phone the vet now
Within hours
Newborn kitten not feeding or fading
A weak, cold, or non-feeding newborn kitten needs warming and immediate vet contact — fading kitten syndrome kills within hours.
Recognise the signs
- Cold, limp, weak
- Not crying or seeking milk
- Poor weight gain
- Pushed away by mother
First aid steps
- Warm gradually against skin or with wrapped warmth.
- Drop glucose gel or honey on the gums.
- Phone the vet immediately.
Do NOT
- Do not give cold milk.
- Do not warm too fast.
- Do not pour liquid into the throat.
While transporting to the vet
- Keep warm.
- Phone ahead.
When to phone the vet immediately
- Any cold, fading, weak newborn
Common causes
- Hypothermia
- Hypoglycaemia
- Infection (bacterial, viral)
- Congenital defects
- Inadequate milk
- Maternal rejection
- Blood incompatibility (Type B mother, Type A kitten)
What the vet will need to know
- Age in days
- Litter size, other kittens' condition
- Mother's condition
Aftercare
- Tube feeding, warmth, fluids.
- Some don't survive despite intervention.
- Other kittens watched closely.
Prevention
- Adequate warmth in nest box.
- Weigh kittens daily.
- Pre-pregnancy blood typing for known carriers of Type B (British Shorthair, Devon Rex, others).
Breed-specific notes
- Type B blood: British Shorthair, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, Turkish Van — risk of neonatal isoerythrolysis.
Frequently asked questions
How warm should the kitten box be?
Around 29-32°C first week.
How often should kittens feed?
Every 2-3 hours; healthy kittens are vigorous.
What is fading kitten syndrome?
Umbrella term for newborn kittens declining and dying — multiple causes. Early intervention saves some.