Help! Some of my kittens have diarrhea.What to do.

-- Bettie (jobett@dixie-net.com), November 29, 2000

Answers

Bettie, we need more info. How old are they? Is this a litter born at your place? Were they having normal poop and suddenly diarrhea? Any eye or nasal discharge? Other cats around, any new to you?

-- Cathy Horn (hrnofplnty@webtv.net), November 29, 2000.

Definately need more information, especially age and are there any other symptoms other than diarrhea. When I worked at the Humane Soc., the most common cause of diarrhea in kittens was worms. Most of the time it cleared up after worming, and that was always the first thing the vet had us do IF there were no other symptoms and the kittens acted fairly healthy. Do NOT worm them if they are "sick". Roundworms are usually the problem - you can get over the counter meds for kittens.

-- Lenette (kigervixen@webtv.net), November 29, 2000.

I have five kittens about twelve weeks old.They got diarrhea,yellow in color,and also a couple have the sniffles.Two years ago I had three kittens that got diarrhea. I took them to the vet,had test run for coccidiosis,giardia,and feline leukemia and other test that I can't remember now,but all test came back OK.The vet gave me some albon to use.Kittens got well and are now big and healthy.I am now giving my little kittens albon,but was wondering what could be the cause of their diarrhea.I would like any information that would be helpful. These kittens have bobcat in the bloodline.Most all of them have bobcat like tails.Any help would be greatly appreciated. Betty

-- Bettie (jobett@dixie-net.com), November 29, 2000.

Bettie, it is possible that they have the human influenza virus, cats can pick it up from people too, the vet said to use single strengh Pepto-Bismo for it, 1 cc for every 2-3 pounds twice a day. Good luck getting them to take it, though, I didn't have much luck. The affected cat got over it in a week, just like most people do. After they feel better (eating and drinking more normally), worm them for roundworm, just in case. Annie in SE OH.

-- Annie Miller (annie@1st.net), November 29, 2000.

This may contribute to problems with kittens, but just a warning - Do NOT use clumping litter with kittens. They easily ingest it from licking their paws and then it causes blockage in the colon, which will cause painful death. Use sand, regular nonclumping clay litter or ground wheat.

-- R. (thor610@yahoo.com), November 30, 2000.

Cottage Cheese fed alone for 12 hours will clear it up right away in pups. I tell all the new owners to give the pup Cottage Cheese regularly, 2 or 3 times a week for the tummie balance. Good stuff. Havn't used on kittens, but kittens love milk.

-- Cindy in Ky (solidrockranch@msn.com), November 30, 2000.

Cocci can sometimes lead to runny eyes and nose, but the diarrhea is usually dark in color. I would take a fecal sample in and have it checked to see if they can tell what kind of bug you're dealing with. Maybe the kittens have picked up some rhino or calici virus? Have they had any shots yet? I would also recommend the Pepto, and maybe even dilute their milk or take them off it a few days...sometimes the milk is too rich or they are overeating. Altho the fact that they have the sniffles makes me think it is more than just rich milk. If the sniffles doesn't develop into anything more serious in the next couple of days, I would worm them.

-- Lenette (kigervixen@webtv.net), November 30, 2000.

Another thought. Did you recently start giving them milk? For some reason, some cats get diarrhea from milk. I know, I know, alot of you have always given milk to your kittens with no problems but I worked for a vet for a while and this is what I learned at that time.

-- Dee (gdgtur@goes.com), November 30, 2000.

I recently found some great info for raising kittens at safehavenforcats.com. I looked under "newborns". I know your kittens are older, but I think some of the same advice would apply. She rescues kittens and raises orphans from birth, sounds like she has a lot of experience. GL and let us know how they are doing!

-- dani (teamtc@quixnet.net), December 01, 2000.

Hi All, Kittens are better!I used cottage cheese for the diarrhea,and amoxicillin for the sniffles.A big thanks to all the kind people on this forum.

-- Bettie (jobett@dixie-net.com), December 03, 2000.

Thanks for the update, Bettie. Glad they're better!

-- Joy F (dragnfly@chorus.net), December 04, 2000.

Very glad the kitties are better!

-- Cindy in Ky (solidrockranch@msn.com), December 04, 2000.