Kitten losing weight

Hey guys,

I picked up four kittens from our local shelter about a week ago and one of the kittens has lost some weight. He's also got some diarrhea. I was thinking about buying some dewormer, but his belly isn't bloaty... any ideas what it could be?

It could be microscopic intestinal parasites, which wouldn't cause a bloated belly (like tapeworms do). Is he eating his food? How is his energy level? And is he keeping hydrated? A dewormer like Revolution would help get rid of certain parasites like fleas, roundworm, hookworm, ear mites, but it wouldn't treat for parasites like coccidia, giardia, tapeworm; those need to be treated with specific medication. I think it'd be helpful to take him to the vet, especially since he's losing weight. It may also help to bring in a fecal sample (a fresh one, within 8 hours) to get it tested for what could be ailing your kitten. Folks recommend a more comprehensive PCR fecal panel because it's much more sensitive and accurate, but your vet may only provide a fecal float test, which is fine if that's what you can get.

unfortunately the lil guy didn't make it through the night. he was fine, playing climbing and eating, up until late the night he died. i think it was coccidia or something else going on. the rescue i work with gave me dewormer, flea meds, coccidia treatment, and the first round of shots for the other kittens though, so i'm hoping it doesn't happen to them.

@hmckinney we are so sorry this little guy lost the battle.

We lock threads where a cat has passed, out of respect for them, and so we'll do that now.

 

RIP little one