How to Stop Diarrhea in a Kitten

Kittens are such delicate creatures that even a small bout of diarrhea can have major effects on their health. Diarrhea can be caused by many things, including stress, overeating or parasites, and can also be a symptom of a major underlying illness. The younger the kitten the more prone they are to dehydration, so the vet should always be your first stop. Once the kitten returns home, there are things you can do in conjunction with your vet's recommended treatment that can help the kitten's digestive tract to stabilize.

Things You'll Need

  • Prescribed medication
  • Crate or cage
  • Chicken broth
  • Plain yogurt
  • Plain, cooked rice with chicken
  • Cotton balls
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take the kitten to the vet. The vet will examine the stool, de-worm the kitten, and may administer subcutaneous fluids to alleviate dehydration. If the kitten is more than eight weeks old, the vet may also prescribe an ant-diarrheal medication. If the vet suspects the diarrhea to be viral or bacterial, he may prescribe an antibiotic as well.

    • 2

      Administer all prescribed medications as scheduled. A lapse in the treatment schedule can allow the problem to get worse, especially if the diarrhea is caused by an infection.

    • 3

      Confine the kitten for a couple of days to eliminate "hidden surprises" and encourage rest. The area where the kitten is kept should be kept scrupulously clean to avoid re-infection.

    • 4

      Wash all of the kitten's toys and bedding to reduce the risk of re-infection, especially if parasites are involved.

    • 5

      Offer the kitten lukewarm chicken broth. This encourages fluid intake to avoid dehydration.

    • 6

      Withhold solid food for a day or so to allow the kitten's tummy to calm down. Plain, unflavored yogurt will provide calories and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestine without contributing to the problem.

    • 7

      Reintroduce bland solid food gradually, offering very small amounts every hour or two. Plain, cooked rice with chicken is a good option, and a teaspoon or so of canned pumpkin will add fiber to help form the stools.

    • 8

      Keep the kitten's rear end clean and dry to avoid a secondary infection. Kittens are usually not yet adept at grooming themselves, so a warm, moist cotton ball can be used to gently clean whatever they've missed.

    • 9

      Treat the whole litter if you have them. Kittens constantly come into contact with one another, and can transmit parasites and infections back and forth. Even if the other kittens are not showing symptoms, consult your vet about a treatment plan and medication for all of them.