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My kitten has diarrhea and won't eat vet's GI diet. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 3 months and 27 days old | 5.7 lbs

I have a kitten that is almost 4 months old. He was having diarrhea, so the vet gave us new food that is named gastrointestinal high energy food. We gave him the wet food, but our kitten isn't eating it. The vet said that we have to keep him on this specific diet. What should I do? Thank you for your help.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Sara Farmer, DVM

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 25th, 2018

You may want to try mixing a little bit of his old food in with the new food to gradually transition him to the new food. If he still doesn’t want to eat it you could ask your vet if there are any other foods to try for his condition.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 25th, 2018

    I would probably recommend continuing with the prescription Hill's food, which I am guessing is a diet for gastrointestinal issues, until the diarrhea resolves and/or you can discuss options with your vet. You may be able to transition back to Royal Canin once the diarrhea has resolved - you should make sure to transition slowly. It is fine for your kitten to eat canned food only, and many feline veterinarians recommend canned pate diets over dry food.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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