dead kitten

Question
Why would the first born die and the others do fine?

Answer
Ella,

There are a number of reasons.  Often the first one out has the hardest time, and, sometimes, it is just too much for the newborn. Sometimes, mama has not quite got the knack of cleaning and stimulating the kitten into crying.  By the time subsequent kittens are born, it seems that things seem to get easier for both the kittens and mama.

Best regards... Norm.