Author: Juon Abbass, DVM M.Phil
What To Feed A Kitten With Diarrhea?
Kittens are sensitive creatures. Diarrhea in kittens is not a good thing and considered a concern for the owners. Kitten diarrhea can occur due to a variety of reasons, for instance, a sudden change in diet, environmental stress, and other infectious agents. Diarrhea can be mild or severe and can lead to dehydration (it may put your kitten’s life in danger). Many owners ask questions about diarrhea in kittens such as, what to feed a kitten with diarrhea and when to take a kitten with diarrhea to the vet?
When to take a kitten with diarrhea to the VET?
The tips on what to feed a kitten with diarrhea are primarily home remedies for mild cases and should lead to quick improvement. However, the seriousness of diarrhea in kittens should not be underestimated, as under certain circumstances the loss of fluid can be great and it can lead to health risks. Reporting diarrhea to a registered veterinarian in good time immediately after observation can save the cat’s life. However, many home remedies show varying degrees of effectiveness.
What To Feed A Kitten With Diarrhea?
A small cat needs to be given several regular meals throughout the day. As long as kittens are still drinking their mother’s milk, this will take place throughout the day. After about 4 weeks, a little kitten begins to drink less milk from its mother and also looks for other foods. Digestive problems can occur during the transition. Regular small portions should be given throughout the day to which fiber-rich foods can be added in small amounts.
Addition of Pumpkin:
Giving pumpkin to a kitten with diarrhea is a good idea. Give a little amount of pumpkin along with the kitten’s diet. Pumpkin is rich in fibers and it will soothe the gastrointestinal tract of your beloved kitten.
Sweet Potato:
Another option is freshly cooked sweet potato. This can be offered as a substitute for the pumpkin. Researchers have proved that sweet potato and pumpkin are the best feed for kittens suffering from diarrhea (well- digested and well-tolerated).
Food withholding:
This must be done only under the supervision of a registered veterinarian. Usually, food should be withheld for approximately twelve hours. Remember; only withhold the food, not water. Encourage your kitten to drink the maximum amount of water. Over and above, you can give various electrolytes/mineral supplements to your kitten after taking consultancy from a vet.
Note: Try to give your kitten a feed that contains fewer amounts of fats.
Boiled rice with turkey or chicken:
Traditionally, this is a very useful recipe to offer a kitten with diarrhea. You can simply give your kitten a bowl of boiled rice along with turkey/skinless chicken.
Note: Rice contains carbs which lead to gas formation in kittens (after being fermented in the kitten’s intestine).
Diluted Chicken or beef broth:
It is also a good idea to feed your kitten. Offer your kitten a warm diluted chicken or beef broth. It will soothe its GIT and help in dealing with dehydration and electrolyte depletion.
Probiotics:
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria. There is a certain probiotic feed that is specially designed for kittens. You can talk to your vet in this regard and get the best probiotic diet for your beloved kitten.
Important recommendation:
Slight diarrhea can occur when kittens switch from their mother’s milk to cat food. Keep in mind, an abrupt dietary transition is not good for kittens as it causes certain GIT complications. Make a gradual change in the kitten’s diet. Try to give old and new diet together and gradually move to the new diet.
Summary
- If the kitten has diarrhea you have to replace the electrolyte and water.
- It is important that the cat can drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration. Water must be readily available, make sure the bowl is clean.
- As a light food, feed the cat food that does not burden the organism but ensures sufficient nutrient supply. Chicken broth is good.
- If diarrhea lasts longer than a few hours in your baby cat, you should go to the vet immediately. Because a large loss of fluid in kittens can quickly become problematic.
Diarrhea in kittens can quickly lead to health risks. You can get advice from a registered veterinarian online at https://www.justanswer.com/veterinary/.
References:
Marks, S.L. and Willard, M.D., 2006. Diarrhea in kittens. Consultations in Feline Internal Medicine, p.133.
Remillard, R.L., Pickett, J.P., Thatcher, C.D. and Davenport, D.J., 1993. Comparison of kittens fed queen’s milk with those fed milk replacers. American journal of veterinary research, 54(6), pp.901-907.
Remillard, R.L., Pickett, J.P., Thatcher, C.D. and Davenport, D.J., 1993. Comparison of kittens fed queen’s milk with those fed milk replacers. American journal of veterinary research, 54(6), pp.901-907.
Marks, S.L., 2016. Rational Approach to Diagnosing and Managing Infectious Causes of Diarrhea in Kittens. August’s Consultations in Feline Internal Medicine, Volume 7, p.1.
Castro, T.X., Rita de Cássia, N., Fumian, T.M., Costa, E.M., Mello, R., White, P.A. and Leite, J.P.G., 2015. Detection and molecular characterization of caliciviruses (vesivirus and norovirus) in an outbreak of acute diarrhea in kittens from Brazil. The Veterinary Journal, 206(1), pp.115-117.