Did I pass kitten's diarrhea to my old cat after holding it?

Question

I was holding a neighbours kitten the other day and then came home to my cat. Today my 16 year old cat has diarrhea and is not eating and is drinking lots of water and is lethargic. I found out today that the kitten had diarrhea last night and saw the vet today and the told her the kitten had a bacteria normal to kittens and is now on antibiotics. Could I have passed this illness on to my cat from holding the kitten? Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 16 years and 11 months old | 9 lbs

Makenzie Kurth, DVM · Accepted Answer

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear Lynx is not feeling well. The answer to your question is: probably not. Most diseases that cause diarrhea in kittens are transmitted via fecal-oral route. Meaning you'd had to have gotten poop from the kitten on your hands and then somehow Lynx licked or ingested that. This seems very unlikely to me. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why Lynx may be showing the signs you list. Being 16, I would take her into the vet as soon as possible to help determine what might be going on. Kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and intestinal cancer are all commonly diagnosed in older cats with signs like you describe. Bloodwork is sufficient to rule most of those in or out. Best of luck to you and Lynx.

Did I pass kitten's diarrhea to my old cat after holding it?

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