Why Does My New Kitten Have Diarrhea?

Healthy individuals often disregard a random spout of the runs as no big deal. But what’s simply considered an upset stomach among human adults can have deadly consequences for a newborn kitten. Diarrhea in kittens is anything but normal and must be taken seriously. Take a look at what causes diarrhea in kittens and learn when to call an Alexandria, VA veterinarian to inspect your pet.

Intestinal parasites

Parasites like worms, giardia and coccidia are the leading cause of diarrhea in kittens. If your kitten has loose stool more than once, it’s not a fluke. Call your vet in Alexandria, VA right away, because persistent diarrhea often leads to dehydration and can be deadly. They will take a fecal sample and run other diagnostic tests like blood work and possibly even an endoscopy to inspect your kitten’s GI tract.

A veterinary examination is necessary to determine which parasite caused the diarrhea. From there, your vet will prescribe a de-worming medication you can administer at home. In addition to administering the prescription drug, owners must prevent future outbreaks by giving their kittens a clean living environment. This includes washing blankets on a regular basis to get rid of lingering worm eggs and fecal matter.

Bacterial infections

An overgrowth of bacteria is also what causes diarrhea in kittens. You’ll know something isn’t right when your furry friend exhibits blood in the stool, a fever, lethargy, vomiting or general discomfort. These warning signs should not be ignored. Bloody stool in particular means there’s a problem in the GI tract that won’t go away on its own.

Schedule an appointment with the vet immediately if your kitten experiences any of these symptoms. They can prescribe antibiotics to fight off bacterial infections or prevent them from occurring in the first place. In some cases, diarrhea is caused by an injury to the GI tract. Antibiotics stop bacteria from passing through the wound and into the kitten’s bloodstream.

Dietary indiscretion

Numerous dietary issues might cause diarrhea in kittens. One common mistake among cat owners is prematurely weaning kittens off formula and transitioning to wet food too quickly. The proteins and complex nutrients in wet food can upset a kitten’s stomach. Sometimes, cats nibble on things they shouldn’t, like houseplants, human food or even toxic chemicals. Seek medical help right away if you suspect the kitten ingested a potentially life-threatening substance.

Cat owners who recently switched their pets to wet food should try sticking with bottled formula for a little longer to see if that clears up the issue. However, persistent diarrhea requires treatment from your local vet in Alexandria, VA. They’ll prescribe a special diet for kittens with food allergies or underlying medical concerns. Vets also have treatment options that will help your furry friend recover at home from eating toxic foods.

While it’s important to learn the warning signs, cat owners should never attempt to diagnose the root cause of diarrhea on their own. The certified veterinarians at Kingstowne Cat Clinic have a thorough understanding of what causes diarrhea in kittens and can recommend the right treatment plan. With proper guidance, your fur baby will start to feel better in no time.

Categorised in: Kitten Care

This post was written by Writer