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Why are my playful 12-week-old kittens vomiting and having diarrhea?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 26 days old | 3 lbs

My 12 weeks old female kittens have been throwing up for the last 4 days now and now has diarrhea. Their appetite comes and goes and I’ve been limiting food due to the fact they throw up everything they eat or drink. They still have their usual playfulness and energy. They tested negative to parasites last week.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenny, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 26th, 2018

With vomiting and diarrhea they may have a problem with the food or may have an infection such as giardia or coccidia. You can try a diet change to a sensitive stomach formula or prescription food such as Science Diet I/D to help. Adding probiotics to the food also helps regulate normal bacteria and speed up recovery from GI upset. You vet can check another stool sample to compare and see about adding an antibiotic if it is an infection.

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 4th, 2018

    he may have a food allergy or a mild case of inflammatory bowel disease. I would try to change his food to a hypoallergenic diet or intestinal diet. They make over the counter formulas and prescription formulas that are stricter if needed. Look for one that has a single carb and single protein source, such as duck and pea or science diet has an I/D formula made for sensitive stomachs. If the problem persist, then he will need further testing at your vet

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