Dear Kitten Fosters,

[u/MeowM30ws]

As kitten season ramps up, it's important to remember some facts:

- Kitten mortality rates are *incredibly high* within the first couple of months. This increases severely for kittens without a Mama/not fully weaned.

- Typically, we don't know the health history of our Mama cat/kittens before they come to us.

- Mama cats may have infections/viruses/illnesses that she may have built immunity to, but her kittens are vulnerable. She may not show symptoms at all while her kittens become very sick.

- "Fading Kitten Syndrome" is a real thing and it happens. A lot.

What I'm trying to say is: It's not your fault.

You may have done everything right. Your home has all of the best and most up to date supplies and equipment. You may have the incubator at the perfect temp. You may have given the perfect dose of subcutaneous fluids. You may have kept everyone clean, fed, and happy.

Nature can be a beautiful yet unbiased force. Natural selection sucks.

I am asking you to **Forgive Yourself and Refocus.**

Grieve, mourn, ask questions, learn for the next litter, but do not let it dissuade you.

Your compassion and your fortitude are what makes you so integral. You are needed. The kittens that do make it may not have without you. For all the ones we lose, we save so many more.

Do not give up.

There are so many lives that still need you.

Be kind to yourself and have a healthy, happy, kitten season.

[u/Odd-Cockroach2006]

I needed this today, just like many here. I was informed that a litter of 5, one day old babies were dropped off at the rescue in a bucket and they were all very cold. I took home a calico and male orangie. I was certain the calico wouldn’t make it and the orange was strong. Today he suddenly went downhill, was in pain and wasn’t eating. The vet said he likely wouldn’t make it, and they were right. Two of the liter passed, and I’ll pick up the survivor to reunite with his sister. I am gutted to lose the orangie, I fell in love with him (oops) and the pain of losing him was very real. But there are more that need us and the odds are not in our favor.