Kitten Diarrhea: Causes, Home Care and When It Is an Emergency

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Few things worry new kitten owners like loose stool. Kittens have small bodies and little reserve, so even a mild case can turn serious fast. Knowing what is normal, what to do and when to call the vet helps you act quickly.

What normal looks like

A healthy kitten's stool is brown, formed and moist, similar to a firm paste. Kittens that are weaned or eating new food may have softer stool for a few days. Stool that is watery, has mucus, blood or an unusual color, or which happens several times a day, is not normal.

Common causes

• Diet change. Switching food too fast. See how to switch cat foods.
• Stress. Moving to a new home, travel or new pets.
• Intestinal parasites. Roundworms, hookworms, Giardia and coccidia. See kitten deworming guide.
• Viral infections, such as panleukopenia, FeLV or coronavirus. See feline panleukopenia.
• Bacterial infections.
• Milk and dairy. See can cats drink milk.
• Overfeeding or rich foods.
• Toxins and foreign objects. See cat poisoning: what to do.
• Food allergies or sensitivities.
• Medications, such as antibiotics.

See diarrhea in cats.

Why kittens are at risk

Kittens have small blood volumes and high metabolism, so they lose fluids and heat quickly. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, low blood sugar and dangerous drops in body temperature in a day or two. Young kittens with unvaccinated status are also at risk of serious infections.

What to do at home (for mild cases)

If the kitten is bright, active, eating and has only mildly soft stool:

1. Keep it warm.
2. Offer fresh water. See cat dehydration signs and treatment.
3. Feed small meals of its usual food. Do not fast young kittens.
4. Avoid milk, treats and new foods.
5. Keep the litter box clean.
6. Record stools.
7. Call your vet if it continues beyond twenty-four hours.

Do not give human anti-diarrheal medicines or any other medications unless your vet prescribes them. Some are toxic to cats.

When it is an emergency

Go to a vet straight away for:

• Watery diarrhea or diarrhea with blood.
• Vomiting.
• Lethargy, weakness or hiding.
• Refusal to eat.
• Pale or tacky gums, sunken eyes or skin that stays tented when pinched.
• A cold body.
• Fever.
• Diarrhea in a kitten under eight weeks, or one that has not been vaccinated.
• Black, tarry stool.
• Pot belly or visible worms.

See cat emergency warning signs.

What your vet will do

• Examine the kitten and check hydration.
• Test the stool for parasites, Giardia and coccidia.
• Test for viruses, such as panleukopenia, FeLV and FIV.
• Offer fluids, deworming and medications.
• Suggest a gentle diet. See gastrointestinal cat diets.

Collecting a stool sample

Use a clean bag or container to collect a fresh sample, about the size of a pea. Keep it cool, and bring within twelve hours. Take photos if the stool is unusual.

Preventing relapses

• Keep the kitten vaccinated and dewormed. See kitten vaccine schedule and core shots.
• Introduce foods slowly.
• Reduce stress.
• Wash bowls and litter boxes. See how to clean cat food bowls.
• Keep other pets' parasites under control.

Hygiene

Wash hands after handling kittens or litter. Isolate a sick kitten from other pets. Some causes, such as Giardia, can spread to people.

Probiotics and special foods

Your vet may recommend a probiotic made for cats, and a gut diet. Do not use human products unless advised.

Keeping a diary

Write down the time of each episode, what the stool looked like, what the kitten ate and how it behaved. Photos help. A diary lets your vet see patterns, such as diarrhea after a certain food, and helps decide how urgent the problem is. Note any changes in the household, such as new pets, visitors or stress.

Special note on multi-kitten homes

If one kitten has diarrhea, others may be at risk. Separate them if possible, clean boxes often, and wash your hands between kittens. Tell your vet how many kittens are affected.

Special diets and supplements

Your vet may suggest a highly digestible kitten diet, small frequent meals, a probiotic made for cats or fluids under the skin to correct dehydration. Follow instructions exactly. Do not add pumpkin, rice or other home remedies without advice, since in young kittens these can upset nutrition or delay needed treatment. See gastrointestinal cat diets. Keep up with follow-up visits, and bring another stool sample if requested.

When to see a vet

See a vet for any kitten with diarrhea lasting over a day, or with other signs. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.