My bottle-fed kittens are bloated and constipated. What can I do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
I am bottle feeding 2 rescued kittens who aren’t pooping regularly. I took them to the vet a week ago and she gave them a water enema. She showed me how in case they had trouble. They have hard but not dry stools every two days that are hard to pass. They eat 20 mL KMR powder formula every 3 hours round the clock. They are active but seem a bit bloated. What should I do to get them regular and not straining to poop?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 24th, 2020
Hello. You do not indicate their ages, but if they are approaching 3 weeks, you can begin offering some soft food in addition to their bottles. I would add 1/4 teaspoon Miralax to the bottle, but only 3 times a day. Once the stool starts to soften & become more regular, decrease to 1/8 teaspoon of Miralax 3 times a day. As you transition to the soft diet, you can also add the Miralax, if needed, but stop once the stools become a little runny. Make sure you are worming the kittens with pyrantel pamoate every 2 weeks. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on November 16th, 2018
Hello. If these are orphan kittens, then the change in diet will really change their bowel habits. The stool at this age will still be soft, but should not be watery. Make sure your replacement formula is prepared properly & is made fresh daily. Kittens should poop every day from birth & require gentle stimulation of the genital area to do so. Also, these kitten may need to be dewormed. We recommend checking the stool starting at 2 weeks of age & if eggs are seen, treat with an appropriate wormer. It would not hurt to use pyrantel pamoate at this age. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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