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My kitten has liquid, discolored poop but is still active. Why?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | unneutered

We found a 3-4 week/old kitten. He's passed liquid stools since we got him; initially brown then yellowish then white. He's full of energy nevertheless! He's been on a diet of kitten formula and soft food. Pink gums. I'd attach photos of the stool, but the smell of it has forced us to immediately remove it.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on October 18th, 2017

Hi there and thanks for posting! Diarrhea or loose stools can be common in kittens with intestinal parasites. I would recommend running a fecal test at your veterinarian's office to rule out parasites as cause. Falcor may need to be on medication and may need a few more deworming treatments and a recheck fecal test to help treat him and be sure he is negative for parasites. Be sure to wash your hands well after touching his feces during little box clean up or if he has an accident on the floor. Hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    Answered By Emily, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 16th, 2017

    There are some types of G.I. parasites that do not respond to routine deworming, even with panacur. Also it could indicate an issue with his intestinal tract. If your veterinarian has not done so already doing a fecal exam to check for those abnormal parasites would be the next step. Another option might be to try him on a food trial and see if a diet with either a different protein and/or fiber content would be helpful.

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 21st, 2017

    Hi there and thank you for using Pet Coach to address your concern! I would recommend continuing the current diet you recently switched to as it may take 3-4 weeks to see a change in the stool. I would also add in a probiotic such as Purina Fortiflora. If there is no improvement after this food trial or the stool becomes more loose, I would bring a sample of stool in to your vet to have it checked for intestinal parasites. This may be a food allergy and a novel protein may be needed (a protein he has never had before such as Salmon or Venison if he has never had this). I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 23rd, 2017

    I'm glad to hear that Shadow is still eating and active despite his diarrhea. In a young kitten, parasites are one of the most common causes of diarrhea, but other causes could include viruses, an upset stomach due to sudden diet changes, among others. Ideally, I recommend taking Shadow to his vet for a physical exam and fecal flotation test to check for parasites. You can also give him deworming medication, such as pyrantel pamoate (available at most pet stores), which may treat roundworms and hookworms. It is important to note that not every parasite is treated by every dewormer, so it would be best to test his stool to determine if/which parasite(s) are present. You can also try offering a bit of boiled white meat chicken as a bland diet for a few days, then gradually mix the bland diet with Shadow's normal kitten food over another 5-7 days. Avoid offering any treats, milk, or table foods, as these could exacerbate his diarrhea. If he becomes lethargic, stops eating and drinking, or beings to vomit at any point, Shadow will need to go to the vet for further evaluation. I hope this helps and that all goes well for Shadow!

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