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My kittens have bloody diarrhea, straining, and rectal prolapse. What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 5 months and 3 days old | 4 lbs

I have four kittens who are 5 months old . 3 of them having diarrhea. It's orange or blood tinged in color and small amount per time but many times a day. And they have to strain a lot. One had a rectal prolapse and got sutured it back just three days ago. Now another one is having rectal prolapse since yesterday .Feces leaking. I gave them ORS and they drink a lot of it. The vet clinic I usually go is on Christmas vacation. Please help me abt medication and cleaning it . Please .

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 24th, 2017

Oh my. Put some lubricating jelly on this prolapsed rectum right away. Multiple kitties straining to defecate and having loose stools with blood is highly suspicious for intestinal parasites or a bacterial infection. These kitties need to have their feces tested and then placed on the appropriate dewormer. Whipworms in particular are know for causing severe straining in pets.
In the meantime I would suggest adding in 1-2 tsp of canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) in their food daily to add fiber and help reduce some of the straining. They could also use some probiotics as well. Over the counter Culturelle is equivalent to many of the pet formulated ones such as Fortiflora.
Then it’s highly advised to take the kitty with the rectal prolapse to your local ER vet right away since your regular veterinarian is closed. The lubricating jelly can hopefully buy you some time if you can’t find an open vet right away. Good luck to you and your kitties and I hope they feel better soon. Take care.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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