Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My kitten has a swollen, smelly bum with liquid. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 23 days old | 2 lbs

My 9 week old barn kitten has fading kitten syndrome and I put her in a heated area and gave her sugar water she was basically dead when we found him and thankfully he pulled through he's still drowsy but he has a swollen bum that's reddish and has liquid coming out and stinks really bad how can I fix it and can I give him a warm bath to get the smell off and keep the flies and bees away?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on August 27th, 2018

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry to hear Socks is not doing all that well. Poor guy! Yes, you can give Socks a warm bath to help eliminate the odors, however, if he has liquid coming from his rear end, this may be diarrhea. Diarrhea in small kittens can be very dehydrating and is often a sign a serious infection such as from a virus like panleukopenia or from a parasite. I would recommend Socks see a veterinarian as soon as possible so he can be seen and treated. Your veterinarian may recommend submitting a fecal test to check his stool for viruses, bacteria, and parasites that could be a cause. He may need to be placed on fluids, antibiotics, and a special nutritional supplementation to help him recover. Without seeing his veterinarian, there is not a lot you can do at home other than what you have already been doing, unfortunately. I hope this helps and I wish you and Socks the best!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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 to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?
Is your cat's ear hole oozing pus? A Petco vet explains potential infections like abscesses from bites, advising immediate vet care, antibiotics, and recovery.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
New Pet
Can my millipede live with other insects? What about walking sticks?
Got a new millipede? Wonder if it can share its habitat with other insects like Australian walking sticks? A Licensed Vet Tech guides you on safe vivarium mates.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog's matted fur bled after cutting. Should I take him to the vet?
Did your pet bleed after matted fur removal? A trusted vet explains potential infection, wound care, and why immediate veterinary attention is crucial for healing.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my pet's swollen lump with green patches not getting better?
Is your pet's swollen, green-patched infection still bothering them after treatment? A certified veterinarian discusses proper diagnosis methods like biopsy and FNA.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Found a worm in my new chick's water dish. Is it a parasite?
Concerned about a worm in your new chick's water dish? A certified vet discusses possible parasites and recommends a fecal exam for your young chickens.
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