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Cat has diarrhea from kitten food. How long will it last & what to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 14 lbs

My cat is about a year and a half and is leaking from his behind. He's had diarrhea since this morning. He did get into my kittens food last night. How long should this last and what should I do to help?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 31st, 2017

Hello, poor Rafiki. It is very possible that this is related to a dietary indiscretion from eating you kittens food. You may start by offering plenty of fluids and feeding less for the next 2-3 days. You can add a little bit of plain canned pumpkin to help bulk up his stool. If it doesn't get better in 2 days, then he may need anti-diarrhea medications. Best of luck.

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    Answered By David Darvishian

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear that Rafiki is having this problem. Yes, diarrhea can be caused by a food change or the fact that he got into the kitten food. Vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea can result from that but other causes include intestinal worms, dietary indiscretion (eating things he is not supposed to eat), among others. I would do everything you can to keep Rafiki out of the kitten food. Continue feeding him his regular diet or consult with your veterinarian about feeding him a bland diet. After a few days, if this problem doesn't resolve I would advise you take him to your veterinarian for a physical exam, intestinal worm test, and possibly other tests. It is quite possible that Rafiki has become infected with intestinal worms from the kitten. Your vet can help sort all of that out and get both of them dewormed. I hope Rafiki starts feeling better soon and the diarrhea resolves.

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