Kitten diarrhea is a frequent problem with many potential causes. If your kitten has watery or loose stools, it's important to address it quickly, as it could signal a more serious underlying issue. Here are the steps to take if your kitten has diarrhea.
Causes Of Kitten Diarrhea
Kittens can develop diarrhea for numerous reasons, some more common than others. However, persistent diarrhea lasting more than a few days or affecting your kitten's appetite or energy level should never be ignored, as it could indicate a severe health issue.
Diet
Changing a kitten's diet can cause diarrhea, which is usually temporary and can be reduced by gradually introducing the new food. However, persistent diarrhea might occur if the kitten has a food allergy or sensitivity to certain ingredients.
Diet-related diarrhea occurs more often when kittens eat something they shouldn't, like dog food or human food. Cow's milk is a common culprit, as it's hard for cats and kittens to digest.
Kittens might also ingest non-food items like string, which can lead to severe intestinal blockage. Symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, or watery stools.
Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites, commonly known as "worms," inhabit the intestinal tracts of kittens and other animals. These parasites can cause diarrhea by disrupting and irritating the intestinal lining. While it's rare to see the worms, your veterinarian can conduct tests to detect their presence.
Medications
Medications such as antibiotics, pain relievers, and certain natural supplements can cause diarrhea in kittens. If your kitten develops diarrhea, notify your veterinarian. They may need to adjust the dosage or prescribe a different medication.
Stress From The Environment
Like people, kittens can experience stress. When a kitten moves to a new home or feels threatened by something in its surroundings, such as a dog or a child, it may develop diarrhea due to the body's "fight or flight" response.
Toxicity
Kittens are naturally curious and tend to chew on things they shouldn't. If these items are toxic, they can cause symptoms like diarrhea. Consuming poisonous plants or insects can make kittens ill. Furthermore, exposure to chemicals, including some flea and tick treatments, can be harmful and result in diarrhea.
Contagious Illnesses
Kittens are susceptible to infectious diseases, especially when exposed to unfamiliar cats. Vaccinations can protect against some common illnesses, but kittens aren't fully protected until they receive all their booster shots. Infectious diseases that can cause diarrhea include panleukopenia, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia, and coronavirus, leading to feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).
Gastrointestinal Issues
Various diseases and issues with the digestive system can cause diarrhea in kittens, including malabsorption, vitamin deficiencies, and inflammatory bowel disease. Kittens might be born with a digestive disorder or develop one as they grow.
Symptoms Of Diarrhea In Kitten
Diarrhea is defined as more frequent bowel movements with loose, soft, or watery stools. Persistent diarrhea can lead to severe weakness and dehydration in kittens due to fluid loss. Other symptoms may accompany diarrhea, such as:
- Mucus in stool
- Dehydration
- Weight Loss
- Vomiting
- Blood in stool
- Poor appetite
- Lethargy
Some kittens may have accidents and not make it to the litter box when they have diarrhea. They might also get messy paws if they step in their stool or have stool stuck to their tails and rear ends.
Diarrhea lasting two or more days needs veterinary attention. If your kitten has diarrhea or any other unusual symptoms for more than two days, contact your veterinarian. Your Veterinarian may ask you for a stool sample for testing.
Treatment Of Diarrhea In Kitten
The treatment for kitten diarrhea depends on its underlying cause. Your veterinarian will examine your kitten and conduct necessary tests to decide the appropriate action. Treatment options may include:
- Anti-diarrhea medications safe for kittens
- Increasing fiber through supplements or diet changes
- Providing a bland diet or special formula diets
- Deworming if parasites are detected
- Administering fluid therapy if the kitten is dehydrated, either intravenously or subcutaneously
Prevention Of Diarrhea In Kitten
There are some simple ways to help prevent diarrhea in kittens:
Routine Fecal Testing
Kittens and adult cats can acquire intestinal parasites outdoors or from other animals. Having your kitten's stool tested for worms during vaccine visits can help prevent diarrhea caused by infestations. This practice should continue with annual wellness visits for adult cats.
Parasite Prevention
Fleas, worms, and ticks transmit diseases to kittens and cause stress and discomfort. Many monthly preventatives can control or prevent these parasites, reducing the risk of diarrhea they may cause.
Gradual Food Changes
Gradually introduce new food by mixing it with the old food. Over the course of a week, slowly increase the amount of new food until your kitten adjusts.
Probiotics
Antibiotics can kill both beneficial and harmful bacteria in your kitten's system. Please consult your veterinarian about giving your kitten probiotics to support their intestinal health while on medication.
Pheromones
Environmental stress can sometimes be unavoidable, but using pheromones like Feliway in your home can help keep your kitten calm. This may reduce the likelihood of stress-induced diarrhea due to household changes.
