By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Diarrhoea in a kitten needs more respect than the same problem in an adult cat. Kittens have small reserves, so they can become dehydrated and low in blood sugar within a day, and some causes, such as feline panleukopenia, are life-threatening. Many cases are mild and linked to a food change, stress, or worms. The key is knowing which kittens can be watched closely at home and which need a vet today.
Key takeaways
- Kittens dehydrate quickly. Diarrhoea with lethargy, vomiting, or poor appetite needs same-day care.
- Common causes include diet changes, cow's milk, intestinal parasites, infections, and stress.
- An unvaccinated kitten with vomiting and diarrhoea may have panleukopenia, which is an emergency.
- Do not fast kittens or give human anti-diarrhoea medicines.
- A fresh stool sample helps your vet look for parasites such as roundworms, coccidia, and Giardia.
Common causes
- Diet changes. Switching food suddenly, often when a kitten moves to a new home, is a frequent trigger.
- Cow's milk. Many kittens cannot digest lactose well. Kitten milk replacer is different from cow's milk.
- Overfeeding. Too much at once can cause loose stools.
- Intestinal parasites. Roundworms, hookworms, coccidia, Giardia, and in some purebred kittens from catteries, Tritrichomonas.
- Viral infections. Panleukopenia (feline enteritis) is the most dangerous. See panleukopenia in cats.
- Bacterial infections. Less common, but possible, especially in shelter or crowded environments.
- Stress. Rehoming, travel, and new pets can upset the gut.
- Swallowed objects or toxins. Kittens explore with their mouths.
Signs to watch for
- Loose, watery, or very frequent stools
- Mucus or blood in the stool, or straining
- Soiled fur around the tail
- Vomiting
- Reduced appetite or interest in play
- Dehydration signs: sticky gums, sunken eyes, skin that is slow to fall back when gently lifted
- A kitten that feels cold, weak, or floppy
When to see a vet
Go to an emergency vet now if your kitten:
- Is weak, floppy, cold to touch, or very sleepy
- Is vomiting as well as having diarrhoea, especially if not fully vaccinated
- Has large amounts of blood in the stool, or watery diarrhoea many times a day
- Is under eight weeks old and has stopped feeding
- May have eaten a toxin, medicine, or string
Book a same-day appointment if: diarrhoea has lasted more than 24 hours, your kitten is eating less, there is some blood or mucus, or you see worms in the stool.
Reasonable to monitor closely for up to a day, with a call to your clinic: a single soft stool after a food change in a kitten that is bright, playful, eating, and drinking. If it is not improving by the next day, book in.
Very young kittens and those with any warning sign should not be left to wait. See also fading kitten syndrome.
How vets diagnose and treat kitten diarrhoea
Your vet will examine your kitten for hydration, temperature, belly pain, and weight, and ask about diet, vaccination, worming, and where the kitten came from. A fresh stool sample is often tested for parasites. Depending on the situation, your vet may recommend a test for panleukopenia, blood tests, or further faecal testing (some parasites need special tests).
Treatment depends on the cause and severity. It can include fluids for dehydration, deworming or antiparasitic treatment, a digestible diet, probiotics, and hospital care for infections like panleukopenia. Your vet will choose treatments that are safe for your kitten's age and weight.
Caring for your kitten at home
- Keep fresh water available and encourage drinking.
- Keep feeding unless your vet advises otherwise. Kittens should not be fasted.
- Offer small, frequent meals of the usual kitten food or a vet-recommended gastrointestinal diet.
- Stop cow's milk and avoid new treats.
- Keep your kitten warm and clean the bottom gently with a damp cloth.
- Keep sick kittens separate from other cats and clean litter trays often.
- Do not give human anti-diarrhoea or pain medicines. Many are toxic to cats.
Prevention
- Change foods gradually over about a week.
- Follow your vet's worming schedule. Kittens are usually wormed often in the first months.
- Complete the kitten vaccination course. Panleukopenia is vaccine-preventable.
- Keep the litter area clean, and wash hands after handling litter.
- Keep string, hair ties, and small objects out of reach.
FAQ
Is it normal for a new kitten to have soft stools?
A day or two of slightly soft stools after moving home and changing food is common. Persistent or watery diarrhoea is not.
Should I give my kitten rice and chicken?
Kittens need balanced nutrition for growth. Ask your vet before using a home-made bland diet. A vet-recommended gastrointestinal diet is usually a better option.
Can kitten diarrhoea spread to people?
Some parasites and bacteria that cause kitten diarrhoea can infect people, especially children. Wash hands well after cleaning litter.
Do I need to bring a stool sample?
Yes, if possible. A fresh sample in a clean container, collected within a few hours, is most useful.
Talk with a vet
If your kitten has diarrhoea and you are not sure how urgent it is, our vets can help by video. Have a photo of the stool and your kitten's age, diet, and vaccination history ready. Book a consult at dialavet.com. A weak, cold, or vomiting kitten needs a clinic straight away.
References
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Diarrhea in cats and kittens.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Feline Panleukopenia.
- International Cat Care. Caring for kittens.
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase. Kitten care and worming.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If your kitten is weak, cold, or vomiting, contact a veterinary hospital immediately.