My kitten has severe diarrhea, weight loss, tests clean. What's next?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 5 months and 22 days old | 4.2 lbs
Watson is actually a bit over 6 months per his vet. He's had fluctuating severe weight loss and a lack of appetite ( that I'm sure doesn't help). He has explosive diarrhea with a greasy, murky substance, persistently and often as well. All his parasite tests - including special snap tests - and his bloodwork have come back clean. But he's not thriving. What's next and what can/should I do
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on September 29th, 2018
That is a very difficult situation. You may talk to your vet about treating for giardia (even if the test was negative), IBD, food allergies, an aggressive dewormer, running a GI panel, or referral to a specialist in internal medicine. The next step may be biopsies through exploratory surgery or endoscopy. Many cats with diarrhea of unknown cause will respond to a prescription hypoallergenic diet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on June 14th, 2019
It sounds as your pet is suffering from a gastrointestinal condition, possibly an infection. it could also be due to ingestion of a foreign body material. i would recommend taking him to the vet urgently, he will need to be checked first, if the vet thinks it's a simple gastrointestinal infection he will need an anti vomiting injection, antibiotics and a special food for a few days in order to get better.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 16th, 2017
I'm sorry Mooshoo has been vomiting! If he is acting lethargic or the vomiting continues for the next couple of hours I would consider taking him to the emergency vet just to be on the safe side. They may want to check lab work and x-rays to make sure there is no evidence of an obstruction. Otherwise I think it's fine for your vet to see him tomorrow. Intestinal parasites are very common in kittens so that could be a possibility.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 23rd, 2016
Poor Bugsy! Ivermectin would not cause these symptoms, so I doubt that this has anything to do with his medication dosage. In a kitten this age, I would be concerned that he may have feline distemper (panleukopenia) if he is not current on his vaccinations. He may also have a severe case of intestinal parasites, or he may have ingested something toxic. I would recommend taking him to the vet today for an exam - vomiting and diarrhea in a kitten that is not eating are always very concerning, since he will become dangerously dehydrated quickly without treatment. Your vet can start IV fluids and supportive care if needed, and can also do a fecal exam and blood work to help determine what is causing these symptoms.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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