Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My 3-week-old kitten has orange diarrhea from KMR. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | unneutered | 0.9 lbs

I have a abandoned 3 week old kitten. I was feeding him KMR liquid. But he started having orangish diarrhea. I started mixing 1/3 parts of Pedialyte with it, but no change. Today I started him on goat milk. Is there anything else I should do? He is very alert. No signs of dehydration. About 9 ozs. Weight gain is slow, but I'm attributing this to the diarrhea. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 13th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Kitten formula is very hard on the GI tract. I recommend weaning bottle fed babies at 3 weeks slowly over 1-2 weeks. I would get a different brand of formula and mix it 50/50 with the old one. Add more water to it. Start mixing the formula with canned kitten food and get him weaned off formula in the next week or so. He should also be dewormed as well. Good luck!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 1st, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Kitten formulas can cause diarrhea and constipation. I would switch brands of formula and/or mix 2 different brands together to get the ideal stool consistency. I would also start weaning at 3 weeks of age to get them off formula to avoid further stool problems! I hope this helps and I wish you the best!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?
Planning a trip to Chicago and need to feed your Syrian hamster? A certified vet offers expert advice on feeding options for short and long trips, plus finding trusted pet sitters.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored