My kitten has the runs!

[Caroline]

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Hi. I've just got a little ginger tom kitten, called Oscar. He is now 8 weeks old. Ever since I brought him from his Mum's home he has had the runs. does any one know what this could be? Is it due to him new home & being away fom his mum and other brothers? What can I do to help him? The other worry that I have is that ther were drops of blood in his poos for a few times yesterday but none today. Is this something I should be worried about?
Thanks for any replies & help.

[Mary_NH]

you should start with a vet check and have a fecal exam done. Could be a parasite and some of them can quickly s**k the life out of such a young kitten (who BTW should have stayed with mom until at least 8 weeks old).
Do not use over the counter medications!!!! You should only use vet prescribed meds.
If he doesn't have any parasites it could be food allergies and that can be a trial by error thing.
I'd start with a thorough vet exam and fecal. It's probably coccadia which kittens get from their moms.

[sunset05]

I agree, a Vet check would be the best thing. You want your new kitten to have a healthy start in life.

Sometimes a change in food and cause diarrhea. Also, a lot of kitties cannot tolerate milk. I know my kitties can get the runs from drinking milk.

A Vet can narrow in on the problem. Best of luck with your new kitty.

[vene]

and welcome. A vet visit would be in the best interest of the kitten. It can be fatal if the kitten gets dehydrated and loss of nutrients or is diseased. Please keep us posted.

[Caroline]

Just like to say many thanks for the replies. I took little Oscar to the Vet just to check out what was going on. He couldn;t find anything but did say I need to start feeding him what he was having before he came to me & then slowly introduce the new food I brought. So that's what I've been doing & he's been great, runs stopped within a day or so & he is skilfully picking out of his dish the new food I put in!! He's growing by the day & it's great to hear him purring. Thanks once again, when I can get round to it I'll see if I can get a pic put on.

[Mary_NH]

glad he is doing well. My Zeus had horrible "dire-rear" when I first got him and it ended up being diet related. The only thing he could eat was Friskies canned kitten food!! We tried the high-end ones and they went through him nearly as fast as it went in.
Now at 4 years old the Little Fella can eat anything - and does.
Can't wait to see pictures of your new baby

[vene]

Great news!