Possible Causes of a Kitten's Persistent Diarrhea

Common reasons for a persistent case of diarrhea in kittens include intestinal parasitic infections, acute gastroenteritis, viral infections, and stress.

1. Intestinal Parasites in Cats

Intestinal parasites such as roundworms and tapeworms often disrupt a cat's digestive function, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloody stools, and weight loss. If your cat has not been dewormed in a while, it might be worth considering an intestinal parasitic infection as the cause of its persistent diarrhea. Even with regular deworming, cats can still suffer from chronic diarrhea due to parasites like coccidia and giardia, which are not always preventable by broadspectrum deworming medications.

It's advisable to take your cat to a veterinarian for a fecal examination and other relevant tests to confirm any parasitic infections. Prompt deworming with appropriate medications is essential. Additionally, try to avoid feeding your cat raw meat as a preventive measure.

2. Acute Gastroenteritis in Cats

It's also possible that your kitten's persistent diarrhea is due to dietary indiscretion or poor digestion, leading to acute gastroenteritis. If the symptoms are mild, you can try giving your cat some pet probiotics to restore gut flora, along with a diet of light food and small, frequent meals. Typically, the diarrhea should start to improve within 3 days, and continuing probiotics for another 35 days can help reinforce the gut health. However, if the diarrhea is severe and frequent, your cat may need medication like Vepada for inflammation and Vilco bismuth subcarbonate tablets to control the symptoms. Vilco can help in the recovery of the digestive mucosa, reducing the irritation of harmful substances and providing relief from diarrhea.

3. Viral Infections in Cats

If your cat has not been fully vaccinated and is experiencing persistent diarrhea, it's important to consider the possibility of viral infection. Diseases like feline distemper and feline coronavirus can cause frequent diarrhea, vomiting, and elevated body temperature. It's crucial to take your cat to a veterinarian for blood tests and imaging procedures like Xrays and ultrasounds to confirm a viral infection. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in such cases.

4. Stress in Cats

Cats can also experience persistent diarrhea due to stress, which can be triggered by moving to a new home, forced baths, or sudden changes in diet. Stress can be compounded by intestinal irritation and weakened immunity. To manage this, you can follow the same approach as with gastroenteritis, while also providing plenty of reassurance and a sense of security to your feline friend.

In summary, understanding the causes and solutions for a kitten's persistent diarrhea is vital. Pet owners should be aware that if they cannot determine the exact cause of their cat's diarrhea, it's essential to seek veterinary care or consult with an online pet doctor promptly. Selfmedication should be avoided to prevent inappropriate treatment.