Diarrhea in Kittens is a Serious Matter: Here’s How to React

It's almost guaranteed that at some point, a kitten will experience diarrhea, which can range from mild to severe.

Diarrhea in kittens can be a significant health concern because their bodies are not as well-equipped to handle it. They can quickly become dehydrated and malnourished. The problem can have numerous causes, and a veterinarian needs to know the animal’s age, circumstances, and history to identify the cause. In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons behind it, how to treat it, and what you should do if you notice this symptom.

Potential Causes of Diarrhea in Kittens

Bacterial Infections

Diarrhea can be caused by bacteria that normally reside in the kitten’s intestines but have overgrown, or by bacteria from the environment, such as E. coli or Salmonella. Symptoms can include sudden watery diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargy.

Viral Infections (e.g., FIV, FeLV, FPV, Rotavirus)

Viruses can also cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal issues. Many of these can be prevented with vaccination.

We would like to highlight the lesser-known feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), which is often called feline parvovirus or feline distemper. It is highly contagious and can be fatal, and usually occurs around 2-4 months of age, but can attack cats at any age. You can protect yourself against it with a vaccine.

Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites are very common in kittens, which they can easily get even if they live their lives in a strictly indoor environment or have received deworming treatment in the past. For this reason, it is extremely important to visit the vet regularly for routine examinations, which should also include a fecal examination. In addition, you should routinely perform deworming under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Stress

Stress can weaken a kitten’s immune system and cause diarrhea. Simple things like moving to a new environment or the arrival of a new family member can trigger it.

Dietary Changes

A sudden switch to new food or too many new treats can also inflame a kitten’s intestines, leading to diarrhea or vomiting.

Poisoning

If you suspect the kitten has ingested something harmful, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Foreign Object Ingestion

Swallowing objects like ribbons, strings, or hair ties can irritate a kitten’s digestive system, causing vomiting or diarrhea.

Bloody and Yellow Diarrhea in Kittens

Some bacteria, such as salmonella, and some intestinal parasites, such as giardia, cause bright red blood in the stool. But the phenomenon can also be caused by damage to the colon or rectum, through which irritating objects may have passed. If an injury in the stomach or small intestine is bleeding, in that case the stool will also be bloody, but dark in color and tarry, because by then the blood is already in a digested state. Due to the bloody feces, kittens are exposed to the risk of developing more serious infections, so it is definitely necessary to consult a veterinarian.

Yellow diarrhea can indicate some kind of bacterial imbalance in the gut, but it can also be caused by poisoning or liver disease. If you notice yellow diarrhea in a cat younger than 4 months, if it lasts longer than 24 hours, or if it is accompanied by vomiting and loss of appetite, lethargy, see the vet immediately!

The Kitten Does Not Have Diarrhea, but Its Stool is Softer

The animal’s large intestine absorbs water from the faecal sludge as it passes through it. If the stool is moving too quickly or the colon is unable to absorb water efficiently (due to inflammation, for example), the stool may be softer than normal. There is no need to be alarmed if the kitten is stressed, and because of this it defecates a few times. However, if it lasts longer than 1-2 days, it is definitely recommended to talk to the vet.

Here’s What To Do If Your Kitten Has Diarrhea

Although an episode of diarrhea is usually not a big deal, it is better to have it confirmed by the vet. If you experience the following, make an appointment for an examination:

• Any diarrhea in kittens younger than 4 months.
• Frequent and watery diarrhea in kittens older than 4 months, accompanied by vomiting and signs of malaise such as loss of appetite or lethargy.
• If you suspect that your kitten has eaten something it shouldn’t have.
• There is blood in the diarrhea.
• Your pet shows signs of dehydration (sticky gums, lethargy and reduced skin elasticity, etc.).
• Kittens older than 4 months who have diarrhea for more than 24 hours.

Diarrhea in kittens is dangerous as it can quickly cause dehydration. In the case of mild diarrhea, if dehydration is not a threat, the veterinarian may recommend giving an electrolyte solution. In case of mild dehydration, liquids can be given to the kitten in the form of a subcutaneous injection. Moderate or severe dehydration will require hospital care with intravenous fluids to support recovery.

Probiotics, prescription light diet foods, and anti-diarrhea medications can also help in the treatment of diarrhea. Antibiotics may also be recommended if a bacterial or viral infection is suspected. Although viruses are not treated, they can help prevent secondary bacterial infections. Dewormers are usually used to kill parasites.