Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My new kitten is vomiting white foam, has diarrhea, and is lethargic.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 3 months and 15 days old | 2.3 lbs

Hi, I recently adopted my 10 week old kitten about a week ago and took him to the vet a couple days ago to get home checked out. They did a feces test and told me everything looked good and he had no parasites. They also gave him a dewormer. Although, yesterday morning i saw him puke white foam and since then he’s had diarrhea, has had a lack of appetite and is lethargic. What’s wrong with him?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Kevin Sanada, DVM

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 16th, 2017

It's likely an infection that is causing this. Kittens commonly get gastrointestinal infections at this age and he may have picked it up from the place where he was adopted (incubation periods can be up to two weeks).

The fact that he recently got dewormed is coincidental, but I wouldn't be concerned about this being related to the deworming medication.

Considering he is lethargic and has vomiting/diarrhea, it's best to have him seen by a vet again. Kittens can quickly become dehydrated with this condition and will likely need some treatment to make him feel better again.

For now, it's best to feed a bland diet of boiled chicken. Feed only a little at a time and ensure he has plenty of water available. It will also be helpful to add pedialyte to the water.

I hope that helps and Ringo gets better soon.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 5th, 2017

    Chester likely has some sort of irritation to his stomach and intestines. These can be temporary, but they can get dehydrated quickly.

    There are many causes for vomiting and diarrhea including poison ingestion and infection. I doubt this has to do with the surgery, but may have something to do with the deworming. Deworming medication is usually quite safe, but make sure you gave the correct medication (Is it for a cat and age appropriate?).

    If he is still vomiting and having diarrhea tomorrow morning, then it is best to take him to the vet, so they can help identify the cause and make him feel better.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 12th, 2017

    Poor Coffee. You can try feeding him a small amount of plain boiled chicken (no bones) to help settle his tummy. If he is continuing to vomit and have diarrhea, I would have your vet take another look at him. Your vet will be able to assess his hydration and give fluids if needed. They will also be able to start him on some meds to help him feel better. These little kittens get dehydrated really quick so watch him closely. I hope this helps!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Health & Wellness
My new kitten is weak, vomiting, and has diarrhea. What to do?
I recommend taking Stewie to the veterinarian to make sure he is ok. This may be a virus but it can also be intestinal parasites. I would bring a stool sample when taking him to the vet for check for parasites. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
What to do if my new stray kitten is throwing up and has diarrhea?
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.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
What to do if my new kitten is lethargic, has diarrhea and vomiting?
Congratulations on adopting your new kittens! I'm glad that you are going to take them in tomorrow morning. They are young and small. You will need to ensure the smaller one is not becoming dehydrated. Kittens their age can have vomiting and diarrhea secondary to intestinal parasites, stress from coming to a new home, or the diet change. The examination can ensure that is not anything more serious though. In the meantime, encourage them to drink plenty of water. You can offer a small amount of food in the morning. I hope this information helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Why is my new kitten having diarrhea, shaking, and acting tired?
Liliko may have intestinal parasites especially with being so young. I would recommend bringing her to a veterinarian to have her stool checked and get a routine dewormer. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My cat is vomiting foam and has diarrhea. New kitten or plant?
It sounds as California is suffering from a gastrointestinal condition, possibly an infection. it could also be due to ingestion of a foreign body material. i would recommend taking her to the vet the first chance you get, she will need to be checked first, if the vet thinks it's a simple gastrointestinal infection she will need an anti vomiting injection, antibiotics and a special food for a few days in order to get better. if the vet thinks it is more serious she will need a blood test and possibly an ultrasound in order to find out what is wrong.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Why is my foster kitten underweight, lethargic, and has diarrhea?
Thank you for submitting your question regarding your foster kitten. His hair coat appears rough and he may have a crust on his nose. Has he experienced any respiratory signs such as coughing or sneezing? This would be unrelated to the diarrhea, but a compounding illness could result in poor weight gain. I would recommend checking him for panleukopenia just to be sure. If the vet will not run bloodwork, you can test a fecal sample with the dog parvovirus test. Otherwise I would consider a new diet if seeking a second opinion is not an option. I like Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Gastrointestinal High Energy canned formula. The veterinarian should be able to write you a prescription for the diet. I hope this information helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My newly adopted kitten is vomiting undigested food. Should I worry?
It sounds as Oliver is suffering from a gastrointestinal condition, possibly an infection. it could also be due to ingestion of a foreign body material. i would recommend taking him to the vet the first chance you get, he will need to be checked first, if the vet thinks it's a simple gastrointestinal infection he will need an anti vomiting injection, antibiotics and a special food for a few days in order to get better.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Cat FoodCat SuppliesWet Cat FoodDewormer Treatments for CatsPrescription Dewormer for CatsElectrolytes for CatsCat LaxativesKitten Formula & Milk ReplacerKitten FoodCat MedicineCat Health & WellnessCanned Cat FoodVaccines and Shots for CatsVeterinary Diet Cat FoodDiuretics for CatsHeartworm Prevention for CatsCat AntibioticsCat First AidCat Urinary Tract & Kidney MedicationPrescription Dewormer for Dogs
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button