Kitten Death & Loss
Dr. Eric Barchas writing for catster.com estimates that, in well managed catteries, 15-27% of kittens die before they are 9 weeks of age. This is no coincidence as this leads up to their first vaccination. ( Another reason not to purchase a kitten from dubious sources or reserve a kitten prior to its 2nd vaccination)
Most affordable pet insurers do not insure kittens below 4 months of age.
Minimal coverage for accidents may start when kittens reach 4 to 5 months Coverage for Illness generally starts after kitten has reached 7 months of age or a month post de-sex surgery, which ever is later.
Historical data has taught insurers that this window has the highest occurrence of claims. This is regardless of breed.
An obvious sign to any kitten owner that a large number of kittens may not make it to their first annual booster.
Outside of accidents( trauma, blockage or poisoning), allergic reactions ( medication or vaccines) and parasitic infections ( fleas and ticks… causing anemia , heartworm etc) The leading causes of death are FELV, FIP, FIV, FCV
FELV = Feline Leukemia
FIV = Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
FCV = Feline Calicivirus
FIP = Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Once a kitten has completed its first 3 vaccinations, it is usually protected against FCV and a few other major diseases for its first year of life. ( For more information on FCV Feline CaliciVirus (FCV) Infection | International Cat Care (icatcare.org) ) There is an optional vaccine for FELV and should be given to cats that roam. If you do not live in a rabies free country, a rabies vaccine should also be administered.
FELV & FIV is contagious , but entirely preventable. It is spread from one cat to another via saliva and blood. Cats or Kittens with FELV and FIV should only be kept with other FELV or FIV positive cats and never permitted to roam. With suitable care, they are able to lead normal lives but may be have shorter lifespans. ( For more information on FELV Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) | International Cat Care (icatcare.org) )
FIP usually affects kittens and young adults up to 3 years of age. 70% of FIP patients are usually under a year old.
They seem to be more prevalent in certain breeds that have lesser genetic diversity and allegedly in homes with less than the recommend amount of litter pans
FIP is a spontaneous mutation of a normally benign virus found in most cats.
It is not contagious and is thought to be triggered by stress and a lack of immune response or weak gut health. A lack of genetic diversity predisposes these kittens to a weak immune system.
When looking at pedigree kittens their genetic diversity is laid out in their pedigree. Certain breeds or catteries may have a higher occurrence of mutation and pawrents should take extra care when deciding to get a kitten from those breeds.
Rescue kittens from known trap, neuter areas or hoarders are also known to have lower genetic diversity.
Always, do your research, ask your questions.
Don’t fall prey into buying a kitten where you are unable to speak with the breeder.
Understand the ethics and practices of the breeder as well as the temperament of the cats and the lifestyle most suited for them.
A lack of genetic diversity is not a guarantee of FIP.
As a pawrent , we aim to reduce environmental stress like moving, boarding and inadequate space and litter boxes.
A kitten and young cat needs to have a safe space to prevent possible triggers.
Feeding a suitable high quality diet and providing good pre and pro biotics during this period all help in minimizing stress and optimizing health.
Immune stress usually occurs from 2 weeks to a month after vaccination, trauma or surgery. It is not uncommon to hear that a kitten or cat is diagnosed with FIP shortly after a vaccination or surgery. This seems to suggest mutation to diagnosis of the disease is generally quick. There are 2 forms of FIP. Dry or Wet. For more information on FIP, we recommend reading Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) | International Cat Care (icatcare.org)
Where possible , avoid surgeries or multiple vaccinations too close to each other. Follow the schedule set out by your vet and highlight any concerns you may have with them.
Vets may sometimes not posses the wisdom of breeder and a breeder does not have the knowledge that a vet has acquired. A good support structure and relationship of pawrent, breeder and vet is essential to your kitten’s wellbeing.
Until next time,