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My kitten has bloody diarrhea, straining, and won't drink. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 12 days old

I recently adopted two sibling kittens. Today they got diarrhea, one of them is showing no clear signs of discomfort and is still very playful and still drinking the water. However the other male kitten has been using or attempting to use the liter box. An hour ago he stopped producing any kind of feces and has since started dropping little bits of blood whenever he tries to go to the bathroom. He is showing signs of discomfort and does not drink the water and has not been playful

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 13th, 2018

Poor kitties. It sounds like these kitties likely have an intestinal bug causing their symptoms. I would visit your vet to have their stools tested first to determine what bug is present, and then they can get prescribed the appropriate dewormer. They may also need to do a short course of antibiotics to get the gut flora back to normal, especially if you are seeing them straining (colitis). I hope that your little ones feel better soon! Best wishes and take care.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 27th, 2017

    Blood in the stools in kittens is usualky a sign of a gastronomy infection, it coukd be a very serious condition and it requires to be treated right away. You will need to take Casper to the vet today in order to get him checked and treated, he will need an antibiotic course and some special food for a few days until he recovers.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 13th, 2020

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Zuko and Suki. Poor kittens,. If the male is having diarrhea and the female has blood in her stool, and both are not eating well, this tells me they are sick. Young kittens are quite fragile, and whenever they are sick, it's a medical emergency. If you want them to have the best chance of survival, they have to see a vet now. Please take them into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Best of luck.

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