You are here:
Ask the Veterinarian/Kittens
Advertisement
Question
I have two 10 week old kittens that I only brought home yesterday. One of them appears to have slight runny bowel movements. They are both fine in themselves, playing, sleeping, eating and drink - is this just from settling in, should I be doing anything or taking him to see the vet?
Most of the time kittens get runny bowel movements from the change in food and the stress. Round worms also do play a role in diarrhea with the stress triggering it. You do need to get them round wormed and vaccinated soon. Also make sure you get them tested for Leukemia, FIP, and anything else the doc can think of. That way you aren't falling in love with two kittens that have potentially fatal diseases.
Also, make sure you have them on a good diet, not Purina Kitten Chow. That is coated with milk and kittens are lactose intolerant once weaned. Get them on Science Diet Kitten Growth and you will see them grow strong and have the softest coats around.
Have fun with them!
Related Articles
- Willow - Reader Submissions: Cutest Kitten Photo Contest
- Kitten Fostering Takes a Financial and Emotional Commitment - Reader Stories: How I Became a Foster Parent to Rescued Cats and Kittens
- My Inquisitive Tuxedo Kitten Chad - Reader Stories: Living with a Tuxedo Cat
- Kitty Flavor of the Month - May - Tuxedo Cats - Columbus
- Tracking Kitten Development - the First Six Weeks
Answers by Expert:
Jana Connell RVT, CVT
Expertise
PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!
Experience
I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina.
I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.
Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.
Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT.
Certified Veterinary Dental Technician
Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).
Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.