Did you know that digestive upset is common in kittens? Rapid dietary change and the stress associated with moving to a new home, plus other causes such as infectious agents, can lead to loose faeces, diarrhoea or vomiting.
Bellyache
Did you know that digestive upset is common in kittens?
Rapid dietary change and the stress associated with moving to a new home, plus other causes such as infectious agents, can lead to loose faeces, diarrhoea or vomiting.
Avoid milk
Once kittens are weaned from their mother, they no longer require milk as part of their diet. The feeding of cow’s milk to kittens can lead to digestive upset, and should be avoided. Lactose-free pet milk is an option, but a complete and balanced kitten diet will supply all the essential nutrition your kitten needs.
How can I avoid my kitten getting an upset tummy?
- Ensure that your kitten's vaccinations and worming treatments are up to date
- Avoid access to food scraps and garbage
- Offer small, frequent meals
- Make any diet changes gradual, over a period of 7 days. Add a small proportion of the new diet to the kitten’s regular diet on the first day. The proportion of the new diet should be gradually increased each day, so that it makes up half of the kitten’s food on day 4 and the whole meal by day 7.
When to call the Vet
If your kitten is experiencing diarrhoea, vomiting or lethargy be sure to take them for a check-up at the Vet. Dehydration can occur quickly in youngsters. Signs of dehydration include dry skin that lacks elasticity such as neck skin that stays tented when gently pinched, lethargy, increased heart rate, high fever and a dry mouth.
By feeding a high quality, highly digestible kitten food you will reduce the chance of an upset tummy in your kitten.