What to Do When a Kitten Has Diarrhea and Vomiting

1 Kitten Diarrhea and Vomiting

Facing this, should we treat or not, and how?

Many say they’ve tried probiotics and smectite (Diosmectite) with no effect, and if the doctor can’t help, what can they do.

Actually these cases are common, especially since a kitten’s gut is not fully developed; slight carelessness causes vomiting and diarrhea, usually after bottle feeding.

In fact, kitten diarrhea with or without vomiting is rarely just flora imbalance; it is usually accompanied by intestinal inflammation. Controlling inflammation has only one method: antibiotic intervention. Yet many voices say antibiotics must not be used in newborns, overstating the side effects.

However we stress the side effects, one point is firm: between death and the unknown side effects of treatment, choose the lesser evil. That is the overriding principle.

For kitten gastroenteritis, use smectite (Diosmectite) to stop diarrhea, then probiotics at least half an hour later, 2-3 times daily. If oral treatment shows no clear effect in 1-2 days, start antibiotics at once. If vomiting occurs, withhold food and do NOT treat orally. Watch the kitten’s mental state; at any sign of dehydration or low blood sugar, give subcutaneous fluids immediately.

When symptoms are severe and life is threatened, contact an experienced vet for IV fluids (many vets can’t catheterize kittens under a month because the vessels are too thin).

Antibiotic intervention is essential. Choose a cephalosporin injection with relatively few feline side effects and fast action, such as cefotaxime sodium, ceftriaxone sodium, or cefepime. Dose must be strictly controlled – never overdose.