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Why is my 8-week-old kitten's diarrhea bloody and uncontrollable?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

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

My kitten is about 7 or 8 weeks old. I got her from a friend who rescued her. She has had runny diarrhea and can't seem to control it. We have changed her food to Purina kitten chow but doesn't help. What can be causing it. Her butt sticks out allot too like all day and she poops so much. It has a little blood in it too.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Amber Da Silva, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 21st, 2017

I'm so sorry that Tippy isn't feeling well. It is very common for kittens of this age to develop diarrhea, even with blood in it. Most commonly it is because of the change in food and stress from the change in environment. Intestinal parasites are also very common and can cause the symptoms you are describing. I would definitely recommend a visit to a veterinarian. The vet can administer a dewormer and also do a fecal exam to see if she has any other parasites that need to be treated and won't be killed by the standard deworming medications. Until you can take her to the vet you can give her small amounts of plain boiled chicken and plain white rice. This is meant to be a short-term diet only and when her symptoms improve, transition her slowly back to her regular kitten diet. I hope this helps and that Tippy gets better soon!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 9th, 2017

    I am sorry to hear about Nala. It is not uncommon for kittens to have intestinal parasites. Some kittens have worms which can be treated by over the counter dewormer such as pyrantel but others may have protozoal parasites such as giardia or coccidia. These require a prescription medication to treat. If Nala is not vomiting and still has normal energy and only a small amount of blood in the stool then I would call her vet Monday morning for an appointment to have her examined and tested for parasites. If at any point she becomes weak/starts vomiting or starts producing large amounts of blood in her stool then she should seek emergency veterinary care.

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    Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 10th, 2018

    There are many different potential causes. Intestinal parasites would be higher on my list of concerns than either food option and I wouldn't change the food until getting her to a vet for evaluation. She should be ok until Monday since she's eating well, but don't wait longer than that.

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