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Cats/2 week old kittens diareah

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Expert: - 4/20/2007


Question
I have 4 apx 2 week old kittens. The mother developed some pretty severe diarrhea and the babies have now too. I really do not know why as the mama cat has been indoors since giving birth along with the kittens. I run a rescue of sorts ie: live in country many dumped I try to get fixed up n adopted out.
I do know one problem we see allot is roundworms so since the kittens are still very young, have treated them and mama with revolution. Still, I wonder if there is anything I can give the mother cat safely for the diarrhea. As I stated am familiar with the round worm problem but this diarrhea came on very quickly as if mama got into something but I am at a loss to figure out what she could have ate to give this problem. The diarrhea has been going on for about 4 days now. Mama and babies are still eating and drinking very well and seem to have no other troubles. I do have albon and baytril but from what I know these are not good to give nursing mama cats and certainly not the babies.
Thank you for any advice you can give me:)
cindi

Answer
Hi Cindi,  

There are two things you can try. Feeding them plain yogurt is one. This may take a little while to work but it should set their systems back to normal if there isn't any thing wrong with them. The other thing you can use is  loperamide (Immodium AD) for diarrhea. The usual dosage for cats is 0.1 to 0.2mg/kg every 8 to 12 hours. Call your vet to make sure it would be okay for a nursing mom and kittens. I would also take a sample of the stool to be checked. It could be a different type of parasite. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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