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Diarrhea and loss of appetite in kittens
Kittens experiencing diarrhea and loss of appetite may be caused by indigestion or gastrointestinal bacterial infections leading to gastroenteritis. If caused by indigestion, probiotics can be fed to the kitten to promote gastrointestinal peristalsis. If it's gastroenteritis, take the kitten to the vet for anti-inflammatory treatment. Secondly, if the kitten's vaccines are not fully administered, consider the possibility of feline distemper infection, and go to the vet immediately. The earlier the treatment, the greater the survival rate. Additionally, if there is no feline distemper virus, a fecal examination can be done to check if there are parasites in the kitten's body. If parasites are found, deworming medication should be given to the kitten immediately.
- Indigestion
Kittens' digestive systems are not fully developed, and their gastrointestinal tracts are relatively fragile. If they eat too fast or too much, they may experience indigestion, resulting in diarrhea and loss of appetite. Additionally, if cat food is suddenly changed, the kitten's intestine may not adapt, causing indigestion. To address this, owners can feed the kitten a suitable amount of probiotics to promote gastrointestinal peristalsis and increase the kitten's exercise level moderately, which helps with digestion.
Note: When feeding cats, control the amount of food given at each meal, and feed in small amounts repeatedly. Also, when changing cat food, mix old and new cat foods until the kitten is fully adapted to the new food.
- Gastroenteritis
If the kitten has diarrhea and loss of appetite accompanied by vomiting, poor appetite, and increased body temperature, it may be suffering from gastroenteritis. Due to the kitten's poor immune system, severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration and shock. Therefore, it is recommended to take the kitten to the pet hospital for fluid therapy as soon as possible to quickly replenish the body's moisture and prevent shock.
- Feline Distemper Infection
Kittens are more susceptible to feline distemper, especially those who have not been vaccinated. Clinical symptoms include depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, passing stools with a foul smell and blood, and fever, making it the number one infectious disease in kittens. If the above symptoms are found, take the kitten to the pet hospital promptly. With active fluid therapy, the cure rate can be as high as 60-70%.
Note: Vaccination is an effective way to prevent kittens from contracting feline distemper, so be sure to vaccinate your cat on time.
- Parasites in the Body
Kittens have weak resistance and are prone to parasites. It is generally recommended to start deworming at the age of 2-3 months. If the owner has not dewormed the kitten, it may contract internal parasites such as roundworms, tapeworms, coccidia, and hookworms, which can also cause persistent diarrhea and poor appetite. Check the kitten's feces to see if parasites are excreted. If so, consult a pet doctor and feed the deworming medication according to the kitten's weight and product instructions.
Note:owners should get into the habit of deworming their cats on time to avoid feeding them raw meat or other unclean foods.