Hint: It’s usually not just the food.
Noticing your kitten dealing with diarrhea? Wow, any cat owner knows how messy and not nice it can be. While a single episode might not seem like much, in young kittens it can point to something more serious. Please keep reading to learn the possible causes behind kitten diarrhea and when it’s time to seek veterinary care.
What Causes Diarrhea in Kittens?
Many people assume that a sudden change in diet is the main culprit behind kitten diarrhoea — but that’s rarely true. Lauren Demos, a veterinarian and expert in cats, works as the primary vet for Pettable and writes for Top Vets Talk Pets.
“In the wild, cats consume all sorts of prey — birds, rodents, even snakes — and manage to digest feathers, bones, and organs without trouble,” Demos explains. “From my experience, I’d estimate only around 5% of digestive upset comes from something they’ve eaten.”
One big exception? Cow’s milk. While it’s a common assumption that a saucer of milk is a treat for kittens, BluePearl Speciality and Emergency Pet Hospitals note that most kittens can’t adequately digest it — though they’ll happily drink it anyway.
Other common causes of diarrhea in kittens include:
- Intestinal parasites (such as worms)
- Bacterial infections
- Viral infections
- Congenital issues with the colon or rectum
A dangerous viral cause is panleukopenia (likewise called feline distemper), Demos adds. Like parvovirus in puppies, it causes severe stomach problems, such as throwing up and diarrhea, and can be deadly.
Feline distemper often strikes kittens between three and five months old. Because it’s prevalent in the environment, nearly every cat will encounter it at some point, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Related: When Do Kittens Lose Baby Teeth? Signs & Care Guide
Spotting the Signs of Diarrhea in Kittens
According to Demos, it’s perfectly normal for kitten stools to be a bit softer than those of adult cats. Their poop won’t be as firm or dry — but if it’s regularly loose, shapeless, or watery, that’s a sign of diarrhea.
Kittens dealing with diarrhea might have a few mishaps outside the litter box. You might also find traces of it on their back end or paws (yep… time for a clean-up mission!).
Kitten Poop Colors: What’s Healthy and What’s a Red Flag?
A kitten’s stool can vary in shade based on what she eats. Demos notes that anything from light brown to deep brown is generally acceptable. But if you spot red, black, or green in her poop, that’s a cause for concern.
Finding blood in your kitten’s stool is another clear signal that something isn’t right. If you notice unusual colors or blood, it’s time to reach out to your vet.
When to Take Your Kitten to the Vet
Diarrhea in kittens can sometimes point to a more serious problem—especially if it comes with other warning signs like:
- Throwing up
- Unusual tiredness
- Not wanting to eat
- Stool that’s red, black, or green
- Stool with small white specks or streaks
- Blood in the stool
- Noticeable behaviour changes
If your kitten has diarrhea along with any of these symptoms, get veterinary help right away. “Young kittens have minimal reserve to cope with illness and can go downhill quickly,” Demos explains.
If your kitten has diarrhea but seems otherwise healthy, you can monitor her for a day or two. If it doesn’t clear up, make a vet appointment—prolonged diarrhea can cause dehydration, which is scary for kittens.
Related: How to Groom a Kitten: 5 Beginner Steps for Healthy Fur
Kitten Diarrhea Treatment
It can be tempting to try home fixes like offering plain pumpkin or a bland diet to settle your kitten’s stomach—but according to Demos, these tricks generally don’t work for cats.
What does help is giving your vet as much information as possible. Snap a photo of your kitten’s stool or, better yet, collect a small sample to bring to the clinic. Your vet can do a stool test to look for worms or other germs that often cause diarrhea in kittens.
Based on the results, your vet may prescribe medication to treat parasites or combat bacterial infections. In some cases, they might suggest a short trial of cat-specific probiotics—beneficial bacteria that can aid digestion—to see if that clears things up, Demos notes.
How to Prevent Kitten Diarrhea
Since parasites are a frequent cause of diarrhea in kittens, Demos recommends that all kittens receive at least two to three rounds of deworming treatments. These medicines are often used to safely get rid of intestinal worms like roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. Continued parasite-prevention treatments that protect against fleas and heartworms can also lower the risk of intestinal parasite infections.
Sticking to your kitten’s vaccination schedule is another important step. Certain vaccines help guard against serious and potentially deadly viruses, including feline distemper, which can trigger diarrhea.
Consistent veterinary checkups—along with closely monitoring your kitten’s health—are the best ways to keep your young cat happy and healthy.
Related: How to Choose the 5 Best Kitten Food and Treats
FAQs
1. What causes diarrhea in kittens?
Common causes include parasites, infections, diet changes, and viruses like feline distemper.
2. When should I worry about my kitten’s diarrhea?
If it lasts more than two days, has blood, or comes with vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite, contact your vet immediately.
3. How can I treat kitten diarrhea at home?
Avoid home remedies; instead, keep your kitten hydrated and see a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.
4. Can kitten diarrhea be prevented?
Yes—regular deworming, vaccinations, and keeping your kitten’s environment clean help reduce risks.
