Dear VetBabble: Why is My 4-5 Month Old Kitten Acting Starving and Now Has Diarrhea?
It seems that your adorable kitten has developed a sudden appetite for anything and everything, going as far as rummaging through the trash and eating dropped food from your kids. As a result, he’s now suffering from diarrhea. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior and how to treat it is crucial to maintaining the health and happiness of your fur baby.
1. Feeding & Nutritional Needs
It’s essential to ensure that your kitten is receiving adequate nutrition and sufficient food portions. Kittens grow rapidly, and their nutritional requirements are different from adult cats. Therefore, it’s necessary to feed them appropriate portions to support their growth and development. If you suspect that you might not be feeding your kitten enough or providing the right type of nutrition, it’s a good time to reassess his diet plan.
Make sure to provide food specifically designed for kittens as it contains higher protein and calorie content than adult cat food. Remember to follow the recommended feeding guidelines on the product label or consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice. For a more in-depth explanation on feeding and meal portions, refer to the article My Cat Won’t Eat! What Should I Do?.
2. Digestive Issues & Sudden Diet Changes
Getting into the trash and eating dropped food can introduce new, unfamiliar ingredients to your kitten’s digestive system, leading to an upset stomach and possibly diarrhea. Cats have sensitive digestive systems, and sudden changes in their diet can negatively impact their gut health.
Regular exposure to human food or scraps can disrupt their digestion, as their stomachs may not be able to break down the varied ingredients found in our food. Vomiting is another issue that may arise from consuming unsuitable food items. To understand more about this, read the article Why is My Cat Vomiting?. To prevent your kitten from eating inappropriate food, ensure that trash cans have secure lids, and train your children to avoid feeding him table scraps.
3. Parasites & Worm Infestations
Another possible cause of your kitten’s insatiable appetite and diarrhea could be a worm infestation. Parasites such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms can cause increased hunger and digestive issues in cats, especially if left untreated. Regular deworming treatments are essential for kittens to prevent parasitic infections and maintain their gut health.
If you haven’t treated your kitten for worms, it’s essential to contact your veterinarian for the appropriate deworming medication and treatment schedule. More information on worm infestations can be found in the article Worms in Cats.
In conclusion, it’s critical to address the underlying issues that might be causing your kitten’s hunger and diarrhea. Ensure proper nutrition and meal portions, avoid sudden diet changes, and regularly deworm your kitten to maintain their overall health. If your kitten’s diarrhea persists or worsens, immediately consult with your veterinarian, as there could be other underlying issues that require medical attention. For more information on diarrhea in pets, refer to the article Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea? (applicable to cats as well).
