My found kitten has diarrhea, a lump, and can't go. What can I do?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear your kitten is having issues. Based on what you are describing, I would be concerned your kitten may have an abscess on its side that is draining. I would recommend your kitten be evaluated by a veterinarian; if it is an abscess or infection, it would need antibiotics to resolve. There are multiple causes for diarrhea, including intestinal parasites, a viral infection, dietary indiscretion, food intolerance, or some other underlying issue. I would warm compress your kitten's side, and get in to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Good luck!

Hello. Thank you for rescuing this kitten. I would be most concerned about this kitten having an infection & most certainly having a large number of parasites it its gut. Roundworms are especially common in kittens & can cause significant discomfort & diarrhea. It would be best to have the kitten seen as soon as possible as she may need some medical treatment to get her going on the right track. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I recommend taking Lea to the veterinarian as diarrhea in a kitten this young can quickly become life threatening. She may have parasites that need to be treated. Good luck, I hope she's better soon.

I am so sorry that Koa is going through this. Regarding her belly I would say she most likely has intestinal parasites and it is a great thing that the vet dewormed her. If they did not run a stool sample I would recommend running one since not all parasites are covered under all dewormers. Regarding the lifting of her leg. I am wondering if they took blood on that hind limb. Typically with kittens that is where we get blood from and it may be bothering her. No need to be alarmed if this is the case it just needs time to heal (like when we get blood). Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi and thank you for your post on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If the kitten is less than 8 weeks old, it should be fed milk replacer and not cat food. Kittens digestive systems are not yet mature enough to handle regular food and giving them this may cause stomach upset. If the kitten cannot go to the bathroom or is having trouble doing this, you can stimulate her to go by rubbing her underside with a warm washcloth. There is also a congenital abnormality where kittens are born without a anus and therefore cannot defecate called atresia ani. It is rare but can occur. If you have tried to get her to defecate and she is still not going, you may need to take her into her veterinarian for further examination. Best of luck!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Depending on her age, the kitten may not be able to break down the milk sugar called lactose much like people with Lactose Intolerance. I wouldn't advise giving milk since it can cause cramping, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal upset. I would advise getting her to your veterinarian right away for an examination. Depending on her age they will advise you on pertinent testing (Feline Leukemia, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), vaccinations, and deworming to get her off on the right track. Great job saving her and good luck

Hello. I am so sorry for your worries with this kitty. Your picture paints a thousand words. This is a severely emaciated cat, & even with major medical care, she is very likely to die. When they get this bad, it is almost impossible to recover them. Keep doing what you are doing, but I am afraid there may just be too much damage for her body to ever get well. It is very kind & noble for you to help this poor animal. You have a very kind heart. Take care & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.