Should You Withhold Food and Water When a Kitten Has Diarrhea? How to Handle It

It's generally not necessary to withhold food and water from a kitten experiencing diarrhea if they are not vomiting. Instead, it's advisable to simplify their diet and provide probiotic supplements to help regulate their digestive system. If the diarrhea is severe, it's important to consult a veterinarian for guidance on medication.

When a kitten can eat on their own and isn't vomiting, restricting food and water isn’t usually required; in fact, doing so can actually hinder the gut's natural healing process. When a kitten has diarrhea, the first step is to identify the cause of the loose stools. During treatment, it’s best to offer easily digestible food to reduce stress on the gastrointestinal tract, and prevent the diarrhea from worsening or affecting treatment.

What to do when a Kitten has Diarrhea

1. Food

During a bout of diarrhea, it's best to simplify your kitten's diet. Avoid feeding them anything other than a complete and balanced kitten food, or prepare some low-fat, low-protein, and easily digestible homemade food, rather than simply starving them. This will reduce the digestive load. If the diarrhea is due to a sudden change in diet, return to their previous food and observe if the diarrhea resolves.

2. Water and Electrolyte Intake

Severe diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, so it's essential to provide your kitten with ample fresh, clean water. You might also consider adding some tuna juice or other enticing liquids to encourage drinking.

3. Probiotics

A healthy balance of gut bacteria is vital for normal digestion. Probiotic supplements can help restore your kitten's intestinal flora and improve their diarrhea.

4. Medication

It's very important not to give your kitten any human medications, as this can be incredibly dangerous. Consult with a veterinarian who can prescribe appropriate and safe anti-diarrheal medications and monitor whether the diarrhea resolves.Follow us for updates:Pet Training