Why is my 8-week kitten lethargic with diarrhea and swollen anus?

My biggest immediate concern would be for intestinal parasites. Most kittens have them, and if she hasn't seen a vet yet and been dewormed, she needs to. She's suffering pretty significant fluid losses for a tiny creature. Make an appointment tomorrow, and bring a stool sample with you, so that the type of parasite can be determined and appropriate treatment started.

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.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Even though you do not seen worms, it is possible that Cupcake still has gastrointestinal parasites causing her diarrhea with blood. GI parasites are one of the most common causes of diarrhea in kittens, and are easily treatable with deworming medication from your veterinarian. Other possibilities include viral infections and/or dietary indiscretion (eating something she shouldn't have). Regardless, I recommend having her evaluated by your veterinarian so he/she can perform an analysis of her feces to determine if and what parasites are present, and prescribe the appropriate treatment. I do NOT recommend purchasing products from either a pet store or food store, as these medications are not regulated and/or proven to be safe and effective for use especially in young kittens. I hope this is helpful!

Hi there and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There are many causes to diarrhea with a red perhaps inflamed anus. Parasites could be the cause or a bacterial or viral infection. I would take your kitten to your veterinarian soon for a fecal test where they will test his stool for parasites and bacteria and/or certain viruses that could be causing the diarrhea. They may Rx a medication to your kitten depending on what the veterinarian discovers on the fecal test. Best of luck! I hope this has helped.

Hello. I am a little concerned about your kitten because at 4 weeks of age she should be a little fireball & not require stimulation to move her bowels. She should also be eating a canned kitten food with a little replacement milk mixed in. If she has not been dewormed, this would be a priority as intestinal parasites like roundworms can make a kitten pretty weak. She may also be a little dehydrated if you have not seen her urinate. I truly hope you can have her seen by a veterinarian soon. Little babies like this can be pretty fragile. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. While his anus does appear a bit swollen, it is not alarming. Jasper probably needs to be dewormed, as this is a very common problem in young cats & kittens. Once dewormed, the swelling & bowel movements should normalize. Take care.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Bean Bean! That is very severe diarrhea if it is leaking out of her butt. That can lead to dehydration. Giving her fluids is one way to help but it will not fix the diarrhea and continued fluid loss. Bean Bean needs to see a vet today for an exam and medication. Bring a stool sample. Causes of diarrhea in a young cat are: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections, she ate something gross that is upsetting her stomach, food allergy/intolerance, new food/treat/people food, pancreatitis, FIP, Feline Leukemia or FIV. I wish Bean Bean the best!