Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Why does my outdoor nursing mama cat have diarrhea but kittens don't?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed

I have a outside mama cat. She has diarrhea. The kittens don't seem to have it but there still nursing and eatting cat food. What could it be?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 3rd, 2016

Mama cat could just be stressed from feeding the kittens. You can consider giving her Metamucil to help harden her stools or a bland diet of boiled chicken or tuna and rice OR Purina en gastrointestinal for a few days to see if this resolves the diarrhea. However if mama cat gets worse and becomes lethargic and not eating, or if the diarrhea continues for more than 48-72 hrs then it may be best to get her seen by your vet for more investigation (i.e. Fecal exam) as to what is causing her diarrhea.

Vote icon

34Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 4th, 2019

    You can try feeding her a bland diet but some cats will not eat it and it may not help. Diarrhea is a symptom of many different causes. Especially in an outdoor cat, parasites and bacterial overgrowth are very common. Because she is nursing the medication options are limited. I recommend to have her see the veterinarian if the diarrhea continues beyond two days. Also, you may look into services that offer spay and neuter for stray cats. One female can have up to 30 kittens in a year. That’s a lot of cats who often spread diseases and parasites amongst each other. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?
Is Purina Layer Pellets the right choice for your flock? Get expert advice from a Petco veterinarian on Purina and other top chicken feed brands for your chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?
Do your mice quickly eat together from one bowl? A Licensed Vet Tech explains normal mouse eating behavior and when to watch for aggression. Get expert insights.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored