Kitten with diarrhea: causes, warning signs, and what to do
Diarrhea in a kitten is more delicate than in an adult cat because they dehydrate quickly. The most common causes are intestinal parasites, a sudden food change, cow's milk, stress, and infections, including panleukopenia. As a rule, a kitten under 4 months with diarrhea should see the vet as soon as possible.
Quick answers
- Is it serious?It can be: kittens dehydrate and lose nutrients fast.
- Under 4 months?To the vet as soon as possible, even if they look fine.
- Over 4 months and otherwise well?If it is one or two soft stools with no other symptoms, PetMD says you can wait 24 hours; if it continues, see the vet.
- Blood, vomiting, or lethargy?To the vet right away.
- Should I give a remedy?Do not give medication without advice: some over-the-counter products can harm cats.
In this guide
Causes of diarrhea in kittens
- Intestinal parasites: very common in kittens, even indoor or already dewormed ones, and they are not always visible in the stool. We cover this in when to deworm a kitten.
- Food change: switching food too fast or giving lots of new treats can irritate the gut. Kittens can also get diarrhea while adapting to solid food.
- Cow's milk: kittens do not digest lactose well. See can you give a kitten cow's milk?.
- Stress: a move or a trip can cause temporary diarrhea. iCatCare notes that a diet change plus the stress of arriving in a new home can cause it.
- Infections: bacteria (E. coli, salmonella, and others), protozoa such as coccidia and giardia, and viruses such as panleukopenia, which is common between 2 and 4 months. Many are prevented with vaccines.
- Toxins or swallowed objects: cleaning products, plants, or things that are not food.
- Eating too much at once: the ASPCA protocol for foster homes includes overfeeding among the causes and recommends small portions several times a day.
Warning signs
If you see this, seek care now โ find 24h emergency vets
Take your kitten to the vet right away if:
- They are under 4 months with any diarrhea.
- There is blood in the stool, or black, tarry stools.
- They have vomiting as well as diarrhea.
- They are lethargic, weak, not eating, or have a fever.
- They show signs of dehydration: sticky gums, sunken eyes, or the skin between the shoulder blades does not spring back quickly when gently lifted.
- You suspect they ate something toxic or an object.
- They are over 4 months and the diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours.
The sources do not set the same timeframe
PetMD recommends taking any kitten under 4 months with diarrhea to the vet. The ASPCA protocol for foster homes, meant for kittens already under veterinary follow-up, allows watching mild diarrhea for up to 7 days if the kitten eats, is active, hydrated, and gaining weight. If you do not already have a vet following them, the prudent choice is to seek advice soon.
What to do in the meantime
- Call the vet and tell them the age, how long the diarrhea has lasted, what it looks like (color, whether there is blood or mucus), and whether they are eating and drinking.
- Fresh water always available.
- Do not change food suddenly or give milk, new treats, or human food.
- Do not give medication the vet has not prescribed.
- Bring a stool sample if you can: it helps look for parasites.
- Clean the litter box daily and wash your hands: some parasites can spread to people.
How the vet diagnoses it
Depending on age and symptoms, they may ask for stool tests, blood and urine tests to check hydration, or virus tests. If there is dehydration, they may give fluids under the skin or, if it is severe, hospitalize them on IV fluids.
Create a Nekolife account
When your kitten is not feeling well, it helps to have the guides at hand and a community of caregivers to talk with.
Create account โ It's free and you'll come right back here.
Frequently asked questions
When is diarrhea serious in a kitten?
If they are under 4 months, if there is blood, vomiting, lethargy, or dehydration, or if it lasts more than 24 hours in an older kitten.
What do I feed a kitten with diarrhea?
Your vet decides based on the cause. Without advice, do not change food suddenly or give milk.
Can diarrhea be from worms?
Yes, parasites are a common cause in kittens. See when to deworm a kitten.
Is it normal to have diarrhea when they arrive home?
Stress and a food change can cause it. Even so, in a kitten under 4 months, contact the vet.
My kitten has diarrhea and vomiting โ what do I do?
To the vet as soon as possible: together they dehydrate quickly. Also see my cat is vomiting.
Caring for a cat? Keep their health in your pocket
Register your cat on Nekolife to track vaccination history, weight, and get advice from loving cat parents.
- Vaccine & weight records
- Supportive cat community
- Earn Meow Points & badges
Related pages
Sources
- Case, J. "Kitten Diarrhea". PetMD, February 24, 2023. petmd.com
- Barnes, C.; Llera, R.; Williams, K.; Ward, E. "Diarrhea in Cats". VCA Animal Hospitals. vcahospitals.com
- "Diarrhea Protocol for Foster Kittens". ASPCApro, 2023. aspcapro.org
- "Diarrhea". Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. vet.cornell.edu
- "Caring for your new kitten" (leaflet). International Cat Care (iCatCare). icatcare.org
Know someone who needs this?