# Poop Issues

If you're caring for kittens who have diarrhoea , please take it seriously. Loose, liquid stool is not normal for kittens and should be addressed within the day. Diarrhoea might not seem like an emergency, but it can indicate something more serious, and its side effects can quickly lead to decline or even death in young kittens. When dealing with diarrhoea, you'll want to treat both the cause and the associated symptoms.

#### Diarrhoea Causes and Treatment

Diarrhoea can occur for a number of reasons, and you'll need to determine the cause in order to determine the proper treatment. This may involve getting a fecal analysis from a veterinarian to track down the culprit. Here are some common causes of diarrhoea in kittens:

Internal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms are common, and are typically treated with a worm treatment. However, some parasites may require a fecal examination and a prescription drug from a veterinarian.

Bacterial Infections -Kittens may also develop diarrhoea due to bacterial imbalances or infections of the gut. These infections are generally diagnosed by a fecal PCR test, which can tell you which bacteria is present, such as salmonella, e.coli, campylobacter, or others. Once you have a diagnosis, your veterinarian can prescribe an appropriate antibiotic to help the kitten recover.

Viruses - Certain viruses may also cause diarrhoea. In kittens, a sudden onset of liquid diarrhoea can be a symptom of panleukopenia—a highly contagious, acute virus which is treatable, but fatal when left untreated. If a kitten has sudden severe diarrhoea accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, blood in the stool, or a high fever, they need to see a vet immediately.

Food Issues- If you're concerned about a kitten's stool, make sure it isn't an issue with the food they are eating. Be sure that bottle fed kittens are receiving the right kind of formula and are not receiving any cow's milk or other dairy products. Kittens can develop diarrhoea when there is a change in diet, so if you are introducing a new food do it very gradually.

Contact your Coordinator ASAP so we can decide if your kitten/cat needs a vet appointment.

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