Diarrhea From a Diet Change in a Kitten

Diarrhea is not an uncommon ailment in kittens, as their delicate systems are still growing and developing. A sudden change in diet can cause havoc in the digestive system of the kitten, but this is easy enough to remedy with a little tender loving care and some careful feeding.

  1. Withhold Food

    • Make fresh water available.

      Diarrhea can have a number of causes, but a recent diet change should definitely top the list of possible reasons. The diarrhea can persist as long as it takes the kitten's digestive system to get used to the new food, and withholding all food for a while can give the stomach a chance to process what's in it, rest and reset. Because kittens are high-energy creatures that are growing rapidly, they should not go without food for too long. A 24-hour fast can help give the body a chance to sort itself out, though. Provide the kitten with plenty of fresh water. Diarrhea can quickly cause dehydration, so make sure the kitten is drinking enough.

    Skip the Cow's Milk

    • Pass on the cow's milk.

      A change in diet that includes cow's milk or any other substances with lactose can create a problem for the kitten's system. Most cats are lactose intolerant, and consuming cow's milk will cause diarrhea --- no matter how much they love the taste. Kittens that are having their diet changed from mother's milk to solid foods shouldn't receive cow's milk as a replacement; instead, provide any of the variety of kitten-safe, lactose-free milks that are available. These not only provide the nutrients kittens need, but they do so in a way that isn't going to cause a bad reaction.

    Treatments

    • Supervise your kitten and look for any other signs of illness.

      You can do several things to help the kitten get over the episode of diarrhea. If you're not withholding food, try offering a spoonful of plain yogurt. The cultures within the yogurt will act within the digestive system to restore healthy activity. Bland foods can also help sort out the kitten's system, so try offering some plain hamburger, white rice or boiled, skinless chicken. Wheat bran can also help tighten the kitten's digestion. Always provide as much water as the kitten wants to drink. Keep a close eye on the kitten; if the diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours, a veterinarian visit is in order.

    Change Food Gradually

    • Offering small portions will give you an idea of what foods will be met with approval.

      To keep diarrhea from occurring again because of a change in diet, offer new foods in small amounts to allow the kitten's system a chance to adjust. If the kitten's regular diet is going to change to a new type of food, offer the new food in small portions as a snack for several days before gradually giving the kitten half of the new food and half of the old. Within a few days, you can switch over completely to the new food with no adverse effects on the kitten's stomach.