Kitten Diarrhea: What Causes Diarrhea in Kittens and What Can You Do?

Do you know what is causing your kitten diarrhea? Like humans, kittens can experience having runny unformed stool in place of regular healthy excrement. There are many different reasons why your kitten may have diarrhea, some are quite serious. Many times your kitten has just eaten something disagreeable to their stomach – and there is no great cause for alarm.

A kitten with parasites can get diarrhea. Tapeworm and roundworm are two common parasitic worms your kitten may have. Your vet will be able to examine your little kittens stool to learn if this is why your kitten has the runs. A kitten with parasites needs treatment.

Did you change your kittens standard food recently? A kitten whose food has suddenly changed from one brand to another can get diarrhea. Changes in cat food should always be done slowly and gradually over a few days.

Poisons can cause diarrhea in kittens. Do you have any houseplants Tiddles has been chewing on? Many houseplants are deadly for cats to eat if untreated. Make sure to get your kitty to the vet if your kitten has been into the houseplants or chemical cleaners.

Mild diarrhea in kittens can be treated at home. Be sure to give her plenty of water to make sure your kitten doesn't get dehydrated. If your kitty doesn't seem to be recovering from her diarrhea or shows other signs she is unwell – a vet needs to be consulted.

Kitten diarrhea can be serious – but not always. Whenever you are in doubt, the best course of action you can take is to give your vet a quick call. Contacting your veterinarian will help put your mind at ease, or know when you need to take your kitten in to be examined.

Grab your FREE Taking Care of Kittens pocket guide from Sam Kelley's website. Sam is the editor of Keeping Kittens, where you care learn more about the causes of kitten diarrhea and how to treat mild cases. Keeping Kittens is a dedicated kitten resource, with facts from newborn kittens to 12 months old. Feeding kittens to cute pictures – it's all here!