Question:
hello all,
my six month old kitten has developed diarrhea over the past few weeks. she seems healthy and happy in every way. she eats, plays, cuddles, etc.
one thing is that her adult teeth just popped in and she's teething. her breath was really bad for a while--but is fine now.
i took her to the vet and he gave her a dose of immodium and an intestinal antibiotic--but it didn't really help.
could it be because her adult teeth are growing in? a food allergy (she eats purina ONE)?
help!
Answer:
I think you may be onto something with the food. It may an allergy, or the food just may not agree with your kitten. Is she eating dry or wet? All wet is best, but at least some wet should be part of the daily diet.
I notice that Purina One contains corn as one of the main ingredients. Corn is often a source of allergies in cats, so it's good to avoid foods that contain it.
You should look into a better quality food -- food with meat as the first ingredient. Try to avoid foods with lots of fillers and by-products. It's better for your cat in the long run, anyway You can go with kitten food or try a formula for all life stages.
You won't find the good foods in supermarkets or Wal-Mart, but the pet stores will carry them. I find that Pet Supplies Plus has a good selection, if you have a store near you
Since what your vet suggested hasn't helped, you should call and let him know. Just know that many vets are not up on nutritional issues!
If you need further help on the food, let us know!
Owned by Pepper and Pumpkin RIP Snickers 8/22/00 -- 11/28/06
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/

Answer:
I second hat lymekaps said about diet.
No, teething won't cause diarrhea.
Intestinal antibiotic? That's a new one on me. Was that a deworming? If not has she been tested for parasites? Ask the vet about giardia and coccidia. Both are common causes of diarrhea in kittens and often don't show up on a fecal exam.
I would certainly call your vet and let him know she still has diarrhea
Answer:
It could be a variety of things...does your kitty go outside at all? Could she have gotten into something she shouldn't have? A food allergy is a possibility, maybe an enzyme deficiency..parasites too. Getting her back to the vet is probably the next step since she isn't showing any signs of improvments.
Nanook...Flagyl (metronidazole) is an example of a digestive antibiotic...
Onyx & Callie May forever in my heart.
Answer:
Duh! I have noodle brain from allergies tonight!
Answer:
thank you all for your input.
to answer a few of your questions. she is an indoor kitty and the vet didn't find anything wrong in the fecal sample. he did mention that if it didn't improve, then maybe i should try switching her food.
so...i am trying eukanuba kitten formula (dry food) and watch her for the next few days.
thanks again to everyone.
Answer:
i haven't contacted the vet yet. when i took her in initially, he mentioned that the next step might be to change her food--so i thought i would get a head start and see how she reacts. if it doesn't change at all, i will take her in right away.
i got eukanuba just because it has a good reputation.
i would certainly be willing to try the more natural brands you suggested. i don't recall seeing any of those at petsmart--but i will look again.
thanks so much for your advice. i'll keep you posted!
Answer:
JoJo, how's your kitten doing?
Owned by Pepper and Pumpkin RIP Snickers 8/22/00 -- 11/28/06
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/

Answer:
lymekaps wrote: JoJo, how's your kitten doing?
better, i think. not totally better...but better. her stomach has calmed down a bit. she's not in the litterbox nearly as much.
what's weird is she seems normal in every other way. VERY playful, excited about food, drinks normally, extremely cuddly. if her stomach still seems upset by monday--i will try and give her the more natural food you suggested. i found a place near my house that carries it.
and if that doesn't help...i will take her back to the vet.
Answer:
Sounds like a good plan
Be sure to take it slow when you introduce the new food. Mix some of the new and old together for several days so you can see how she tolerates it. Switching too quickly can cause stomach upset, too, and would just confuse the issue.
I'm glad she's perky at least -- that's a good sign Hopefully, it's just a food issue. Good luck and let us know what happens!
Owned by Pepper and Pumpkin RIP Snickers 8/22/00 -- 11/28/06
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/

Answer:
my kitten (rosa) is doing SO much better! she seems to be fine with the eukanuba kitten food.
i want to thank you guys for all of the advice. this is a great forum.
Answer:
Glad to hear it, maybe the food she was eating just didn't agree with her. I know I've had trouble with kitten formulas in the past.
Onyx & Callie May forever in my heart.
Answer:
I'm glad to hear that Rosa is doing better! That's great news
Owned by Pepper and Pumpkin RIP Snickers 8/22/00 -- 11/28/06
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/

Answer:
That is good news.