I got a kitten (4 months old) in April he was fine then about 2 months ago I got another kitten. The more recent kitten had blood in its stool so I gave her some medication to clear it up but both of them now for over 2 weeks have had diarreah. I changed the food to IAMS and it's been a little less then a week and the still have it. What should I do because I can't afford a vet.
2006-09-17 14:19:34 · 10 answers · asked by Allison S 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Your kittens NEED to see a vet. If you can't afford to take them to a local vet try contacting your nearest animal shelter. Many of these are able to provide lower-cost veterinary care. Though really, if you can't afford veterinary care for them, you shouldn't have them. You shouldn't be giving them medications without seeing a vet, either.
Without seeing your kittens, it's impossible to say exactly what's wrong with them. Given the blood in the diarrhoea though, feline panleukopaenia (cat version of parvo) would have to be a definite possibility. This is a real nasty, and they will need very intensive nursing if this is what they have.
Regardless of the cause though, if they've had diarrhoea for 2 weeks, they're going to be dehydrated, they're going to have electrolyte imbalances, and they will very likely need to be on fluids, at the vets. Dehydration can kill young animals very easily. They will also probably require antibiotics because of the risk of secondary bacterial infection.
Please contact a vet. If money really is an issue, most clinics will be willing to sort out a payment plan with you, or as I said, send you to a shelter where you may be able to get cheaper care.
Good luck
2006-09-17 14:36:31 · answer #1 · answered by Loz 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My first concern is what kind of medication you gave the kitten to clear up the diarrhea. You shouldn't use over the counter medications without a vet's advice. The problem is most likely a parasite that kitten #2 brought with it and gave to kitten #1. You need to at least take a stool sample to a vet and have it analyzed for parasites. Some vets will deworm without making you pay for an office call. And, don't keep changing foods on them. That can cause even more diarrhea on top of what they already had! Good luck!
2006-09-17 14:26:17 · answer #2 · answered by vetgirl77 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's most likely intestinal parasites. Over-the-counter parasite treatments aren't very effective and can harm your cats, so please don't use them.
Changing their food would be a good idea....I wouldn't do it right away since they're both ill, but if you manage to get them treated, do so.....Iams isn't very good food. Look at the ingredients list. The first listed ingredient should be meat. If a bag of food has an ingredients list that is cluttered with the words "by-product" and "corn", avoid it.
I usually try to avoid jumping on the bandwagon, but I'm going to have to agree....why did you get cats when you can't afford to take them to a vet? Emergencies are one thing, basic veterinary care is another.
2006-09-17 15:32:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Diarrhea in two kittens for two weeks is not good for your kittens. I would have their stool checked for parasites as soon as possible, some vets will do a stool check without an office visit. But, by all means have it checked and both kittens certainly will need to see the vet for check ups, vaccinations and feline leukemia and aids tests, as well as having them spayed and/or neutered. I hate to sound mean, but my word, why would you consider adopting one much less two kittens if you cannot afford their routine vet care? Please check your local area for discounted vaccinations and low cost spay and neuter programs. Good Luck
2006-09-17 14:44:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The younger kitten probably gave the other cat some kind of bacteria or virus. If you don't take them to the vet, they will most likely die. It might be something that needs medication for them to get well, or they could die of simple dehydration.
I hate to sound mean but people really shouldn't become pet owners unless they can provide the proper care....
2006-09-17 14:25:22 · answer #5 · answered by im_shady77 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you can not afford a vet, you should not be a pet owner. Pets need to see a vet on a yearly basis when healthy and if an emergency occurs (such as diarrhea), you need to do what's best for the animals and have them vetted. My word, what are you going to do in 2 months when you have a bill for altering? OH! Wait, you one of THOSE pet owners who won't do that either. Silly me.
Get a virtual pet.
2006-09-17 14:27:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
the change of food is most likley the culprit , sounds like at least one kitty had or has worms (bloody stool) , the dihreaaa will clear up in about 4 days if not then try a vet , but with no way to pay you are setting yourself up for either bills you cant pay or news from the vet that you dont want to hear , dont switch the food anymore , let them get used to it ..............good luck
2006-09-17 14:28:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree with the above poster. If you can't afford to take your pets to the vet, then you probably should not have gotten them. Suck it up and take them to the vet...to do otherwise is morally unacceptable.
It's a responsibility, not playtime.
2006-09-17 14:28:42 · answer #8 · answered by The ~Muffin~ Man 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
they might have tapeworms, I had same problem with my kitten, who was a stray kitten. I just gave him the pills against worms and he didn't have the problem anymore.
2006-09-17 14:26:36 · answer #9 · answered by Mondschein! 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
my only thought is, are you giving them milk? if so this is probaly your problem
2006-09-17 14:23:29 · answer #10 · answered by smart mouth 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋