Diarrhea concerns in 4 week old kittens....

firsttimemom

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Hi, I am so glad that I found this site. I need some advice about the new additions to our family.
The story: About 2 weeks ago I adopted 2 young kittens that were abandoned by their owner. After doing research online, I decided that at the time I brought them home, they were 2 to 2 1/2 weeks old (now approx. 4 to 5 weeks old). Both looked clean and healthy. Not sick looking or anything. I followed all the advice and direction on how to care for such young kittens and they have progressed well. (as far as I can tell) About four days ago I decided to introduced the kittens to a small amount of baby food because they were attacking and chewing on the nipple of the bottle. I learned that that is a sign that they are ready to start the weaning process. I gave them pureed chicken, turkey baby food...All natural, no additives/preservatives along with a slightly smaller portion of KMR. One kitten (Gizmo) took to the food well, but the other (Jayke) would only eat a little off my finger, and since has lost interest. He is now strictly on the bottle.
Now heres the problem...For the last 2 days, both kittens have had diarrhea. Gizmo(the one that took to the baby food right away) worse than Jayke. And Gizmos poop is concerning me. This afternoon he went to the bathroom and it was a dark brown/red, with mucus in it. Could this be do to the change in diet? Should I take a step back and give them formula only? I have diluted their milk and they both pass the pinch test for dehydration. They both are still very active and playfull. They haven't acted any different, just the diarrhea. Is there anything that I can do at home before I take them in to be seen? Is this serious? Has anyone lost a kitten at this age with these symptoms? This is my first experience with cats/kittens EVER so I'm as new to this as they come. I hope I'm doing everything right. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!!

Dana
 

hissy

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Dana, have these babies been to the vet? Diarrhea in kittens this young can be alarming because they dehydrate quickly. My suggestion is if you haven't had them to the vet, you should go. They were born in a compromised situation, probably have parasites or an bacterial infection that needs to be addressed. And yes, not trying to scare you, but this young with these odds, you could lose them. www.kitten-rescue.com was set up to help people who have found orphaned kittens.

Thank you for taking these little ones in.
 
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firsttimemom

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I have not brought them the a vet yet. I was told that it was not necessary until 6-8 weeks for shots and whatnot. And until 2 days ago, everything has been normal (according to the sites that I found for care of orphaned kittens). Only change was after I introduced the baby food. I will be bringing them in this week to be checked. Anything I can do until then or is this an emergency? Thx...
 

hissy

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I take all the orphans to the vet. I keep them in a covered warm carrier and only take them out to be examined then hustle them back to my car. I would take these little ones in, the blood and mucous would concern me enough to take them in. Especially at this young age because they can fade so quickly.
 

tnr1

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Originally Posted by FirstTimeMom

I have not brought them the a vet yet. I was told that it was not necessary until 6-8 weeks for shots and whatnot. And until 2 days ago, everything has been normal (according to the sites that I found for care of orphaned kittens). Only change was after I introduced the baby food. I will be bringing them in this week to be checked. Anything I can do until then or is this an emergency? Thx...
If there is an emergency clinic that you can call and describe the symptoms to..that would be best. The clinic can tell you whether you need to take the kittens in immediately. That is what I would do.

Katie
 

catsknowme

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My vet had recommended that I add non-flavored Pedialyte to my kits' food when they had that problem. For this latest rescue, who is older, BTW, 8-9 weeks, she recommended that I lessen the feedings for 2-3 days, down to 1&1/2 teasp. only 4 times a day, to lessen any irritation to the intestines caused by the change in her diet. I definitely would call the vet ASAP, because Hissy is right - at their young age, the kittens are definitely fragile. I'll be praying for your little kitties and you! You are doing a very wonderful thing! Please keep us posted on any changes right away!
 

goldenkitty45

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These kittens need to see a vet pronto! Diarrha in young kittens can be fatal - 4 week old kittens don't have much body weight and to loose it quickly spells death.

If there is blood/mucus in there its sounds like it could be giardia (a virus that can be carried into the house on your shoes!). If the kittens are to live, get them to a vet to be checked out.

BTW turkey is rich and can cause diarraha. Stick to chicken or beef. And I'd get regular canned kitten food - not baby food - water down the kitten food - its a lot better for them.
 

semiferal

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They definitely need to be dewormed. That might take care of the problem by itself. Mucus indicates intestinal irritation, which points toward parasites. That's good news, relatively speaking, because parasites are pretty easy to treat.

It's important to switch them to canned kitten food, for a few reasons. First, baby food is very rich and can cause diarrhea. Second, it does not have the proper balance of nutrients for kittens. And third, it is so tasty that it spoils the kittens and makes them turn their noses up at canned cat food.
 

gayef

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I raise my kittens on chicken meat baby food (and mother's milk - they do still nurse as I am transitioning to solids). Once they get the hang of eating from a dish, I mix it with just a little canned kitten food, gradually increasing the kitten food and decreasing the baby food. Hope this helps,

~gf~
 
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firsttimemom

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I appreciate all the posts and the advice. I am taking the kittens in to be seen on monday morning. Also have put them both back on strictly formula until we see the vet. Poops today were a little more firm, but still dark in color. Both are still playing and exploring like they have been for the last week and a half. I know I should have brought them in right away, but a friend of mine (who is a vet asst.) came by and looked them over. She said that there was no need to bring them in until 6-8 weeks for shots/checkup (this was before the diarrhea showed up). Anyhow, I know now that they need to be seen due to the diarrhea and to make sure everything is in order. Thanks again for the advice and the concern. I'll keep you updated.

Thanks so much,
Dana
 
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