neonatal isoerythrolysis (ni)

A blood type incompatibility between kittens and their mothers; Kittens that are blood type-A, born to mothers that are Type-B can sometimes become ill and possibly die because of an antibody reaction from milk received from the mother in the first 16-24 hours of life. Symptoms of NI can include; sudden death, failure to suckle, blood in the urine or on the feet, loss of tail tips with in the first week. Early blood transfusions into the neonates may save them. Supplement feeding kittens at risk for the first 16-24 hours of life and then returning them to the queen will ensure no NI. - See Blood Type.

SOURCE: cat-world.com.au