Kitten with Diarrhoea

sdc

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My girlfriend and I took in a kitten about a week ago. He is 5 weeks old, and has seen the vet who gave him a full bill of health, and gave us the worming stuff which we promptly gave to him and everything was fine untill he developed a slight case of diarrhoea. He was living rough behind a wheelie bin when he was discovered, so we are wondering if the change in diet form scraps, possibly chicken and such to a more rich diet may be the cause, the faecies is lightish brown and is a little loose not quite watery. Other than the diarrhoea he seems happy, he is average weight and very very lively. Another concern is that he dosn't seem to be drinking as much as he should, we have done the dehydration test on the scruff of his neck and found that he was slightly dyhydrated so we have started to feed him water from a pipett. He seems to be doing ok now but we wondered if this also is a possible cause. We are going to take him to the vets again for another check up soon, but just to ease our minds if any one can shead some light you would be big relief.
 

otto

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Hurray for you for rescuing this kitten!

Kittens can dehydrate quickly, but it is very possible that it is the change in diet that is causing the diarrhea.

What kind of food are you feeding him? If you are feeding canned then he is getting his water that way and will be less likely to drink. (canned food is 70-75 % water)

Adding a little water to the canned food will get even more water into him.

To help with the loose stool a little probiotic can be added to his diet as he adjusts to to his new healthy diet. A tiny bit of plain yogurt (no fake sugar) or a bit of the contents of an acidophilus capsule sprinkled over his food once a day will help.
 

darlili

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I'd suggest keeping in very close contact with the vet re the kitten's status. Like human infants, kittens can dehydrate very quickly from diarrhea - and it can be dangerous.

That said, I wouldn't be surprised if the change in diet and living situation is causing the runs (again, just like people).

And bless you for opening your home and heart to this little one - and good luck.
 

yosemite

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As you said, a vet visit is in order but in the meantime you are doing well to try to keep your little one hydrated. You could try adding about a tsp or little less (cause he's just a little guy) to his wet food to help with the diarrhea. It has to be pure canned plain pumpkin NOT the pie filling mixture. It's usually in the aisle with the canned veggies.
 

lily-claire

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What about offering some buttermilk? This has healthy bacteria for intestinal tract. It's liquid, kitten might enjoy the flavor and balance out system. When I am a bit off, yogurt helps me every time.
 

yosemite

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Originally Posted by Lily-Claire

What about offering some buttermilk? This has healthy bacteria for intestinal tract. It's liquid, kitten might enjoy the flavor and balance out system. When I am a bit off, yogurt helps me every time.
The only concern I would have is how much lactose would be in the buttermilk. Cats are often lactose intolerant and this could cause more diarrhea instead of helping.
 

otto

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How is the kitten now? We'd love an update!
 
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