Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My new kitten has watery diarrhea and a bulging anus. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 13 days old | 1.5 lbs

I adopted a kitten a week ago. She was passing normal stools for a few days and then they started getting watery. I have not changed her diet. Her anus is bulging out and leaking diarrhea. I dont know what to do or what caused this.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Jennifer Witt, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 14th, 2018

Poor Jameson. This is pretty common in kittens for many different reasons. It could be stress related from moving to her new home. She also could have some intestinal parasites that is causing the diarrhea. You said you have not changed her food, so I"m assuming she is eating what she was on at the shelter. IF you have changed from that, this could also be causing diarrhea. I worry about her anus bulging. They strain when having diarrhea and this could lead to a rectal prolapse. I think she should see a veterinarian so they can test for intestinal parasites and hopefully get her started on some diarrhea medications and possibly a bland diet. They can also help with dehydration by giving her some fluids under her skin as these little guys can become dehydrated very quickly. Hope this little girl can get turned around soon.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 17th, 2020

    Yes, this could be due to changing Batman's food. Sudden changes in diet can lead to diarrhea. I'm concerned that his anus may be sticking out, and that's likely due to irritation from the diarrhea and straining. Without seeing him in person, I can't say if he will be ok or not waiting to see a vet, so I do think it's best to take him into a 24 hour vet now to get checked out. I hope this helps!

    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
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
Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?
Is Purina Layer Pellets the right choice for your flock? Get expert advice from a Petco veterinarian on Purina and other top chicken feed brands for your chickens.
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
Food & Nutrition
My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?
Do your mice quickly eat together from one bowl? A Licensed Vet Tech explains normal mouse eating behavior and when to watch for aggression. Get expert insights.
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