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Can I use OTC meds for my kitten's diarrhea and swollen anus?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female

Hi, I picked up a stray kitty on sunday evening. By mistake I fed her lactaid milk and friskies kitty dry food. since I brought her home, she started pooping like a gel and her anus was red and swollen. After the food and the milk her diarrhea has increased and now is brown yellowish liquid. I fed her yesterday with only boiled chicken and rice but diarrhea doesn't stop. Today I stopped food and I am just feeding her low fat lactose free yoghurt and pedyalite. Can I use otc anti diarrheal?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 10th, 2017

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry that Tina is unwell. Please do not use any of the OTC antidiarrheals, as some may be toxic to cats, & it is very difficult to dose a human medication in such a small kitten. Your kitten probably has intestinal parasites-worms, anyway. Pick up an OTC wormer, available at any pet store. The most common one is Pyrantal pamoate. You can give Tina 1 ml per 10 pounds of body weight. This does not have to be exact. You may also find a wormer with praziquantal & this would be OK to use, too. Repeat the wormer in 2 weeks. If this does not help the diarrhea, take a sample of her poop to the vet to see if she has coccidia or giardia. I would put her back on a good kitten food, canned or dry, & you can continue the yogurt as well. Just make sure it does not have any artificial sugars in it. If she just does not seem to be responding, please have her checked out by your veterinarian. She may need to be on antibiotics. Hope Tina is well soon. Take care.

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