It’s spring time, which means it is kitten season. Kittens are being born now that the weather is warmer and shelters and rescues are busy caring for underage kittens not yet ready for adoption. If you’re able to foster kittens, you can help to care for and socialize them while freeing up a cage for another kitten or two.
Fostering kittens is a rewarding experience and you will learn a lot of new skills pertaining to neonatal kitten care. One of the most important things you will come to realize is the importance of kitten poop in monitoring their health.
Diarrhea is more common in kittens than in adult cats. Because a kitten’s digestive system is still adjusting to solid food rather than mother’s milk, small dietary changes can cause intestinal upset. Kittens are also more vulnerable to intestinal parasites because their immune systems are still developing. Because they are so curious, kittens are also more likely to ingest things that might be toxic or could create intestinal blockages. Certain diseases that cause diarrhea, such as panleukopenia, are more common in kittens as well.
Because kittens are so small, diarrhea can quickly lead to severe dehydration, weakness, and even death. Their bodies lose fluids and electrolytes at a dangerous rate. If your kitten has diarrhea that lasts for more than a day or that is accompanied by other worrisome symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately. Proper care and treatment can help your kitten recover quickly and stay healthy.
Since their bodies are new and their immune systems are not yet strong - kittens generally get vaccinated at 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8 weeks of age but sometimes later - they are very susceptible to diseases. One unpleasant symptom of many of these serious diseases - including panleukopenia, feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) - is diarrhea.
Kittens are usually dewormed upon intake at a shelter or rescue, but sometimes that doesn’t kill all the parasites. They may need a full course of medication for 5-7 days to fully get rid of any parasites. While an adult cat is able to fight off parasites relatively well, a tiny kitten can get extremely sick and even die from a parasite, which is why taking them to a vet at the first sign of illness is so crucial.
Common Causes of Diarrhea
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Sudden changes in diet
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Parasites
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Underlying medical conditions
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Viruses
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Bacterial overgrowth in the digestive tract
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Antibiotics
Diarrhea Symptoms
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Frequent loose or watery stool
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Increased urgency to use the litter box
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Accidents outside the litter box
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Lethargy
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Dehydration
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Mucus or blood in the stool
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Worms in the stool
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Straining to defecate
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Nausea or vomiting
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Loss of appetite
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Abdominal pain
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Weight loss
Treatment:
Medicine
It is extremely important that kittens with diarrhea see a vet. The vet will likely take a fecal sample to determine what is causing it. Once the results are in, which may take a few days, they can give you the proper medicine to treat your kitten.
Supportive Care
If your kitten is very sick, they need supportive care, which can include subQ fluids, heat packs, b12 injections, or even a hospital stay, depending on the severity of their diarrhea. Since diarrhea in kittens can easily be fatal, it is important to act fast and take all necessary precautions to help your kitten get better.
Increased Fiber
Fiber supplements like psyllium husk or pumpkin can be added to your cat’s food to improve diarrhea. They work by absorbing excess water in the intestines and feeding good bacteria.
Increased Water Intake
Kittens with diarrhea need to increase their water intake to prevent dehydration. Cats don’t typically like drinking water, so the best way to increase their water consumption and keep them properly hydrated is by feeding them wet food rather than kibble. You can also encourage your kitten to drink more water by adding more water bowls around your house, adding ice cubes to their bowls for them to play with, or introducing pet fountains since some cats prefer moving water to still water.
Prebiotics and Probiotics
Healthy bacteria within a cat’s intestinal tract are necessary for normal digestion. Prebiotic and probiotic supplements, like Fortiflora, added to their food can help to improve microbial balance and stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
A Clean Litter Box
Ensure that your kitten always has access to a clean litter box or two so that they feel comfortable to use them. If your kitten is having diarrhea, it’s extra important to clean the box frequently to prevent the spread of germs, particularly in multicat households, or to prevent them from re-infecting themselves.
In kittens, diarrhea can be far more than just a minor inconvenience—it can quickly become life-threatening because their immune systems are still developing and they are so small. Prompt veterinary care, proper hydration, and identifying and treating the underlying cause are essential to helping a sick kitten feel better. When it comes to diarrhea in kittens, swift action can make all the difference.
Love, Nala
