Kittens provide so much joy, but caring for them can be a lot of work. And if your kitten is experiencing signs of an upset stomach, this can add to the daily challenges — both for you and your cat.
Gastrointestinal (GI) issues have several potential causes, and kitten upset stomach remedies depend on variables like the underlying cause, your kitten's age and the severity of their condition. However, getting your kitten back to feeling their best usually isn't hard — it just takes some investigation and consultation with your veterinarian. Here's what you need to know to help address your kitten's upset stomach.
Signs Your Kitten Might Have an Upset Stomach
Several signs can indicate that something's not quite right with your kitten's digestion. Here are a few to look out for:
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can range from loose stool in the litter box to accidents throughout the house.
Vomiting
Frequent (more than once a week) or consistent vomiting can be a sign of an underlying concern that needs attention.
Decreased Appetite
Sudden disinterest in eating or avoiding food entirely are both signs that something is amiss.
All of these signs warrant a phone call to your veterinarian to schedule an appointment. Kittens are especially vulnerable to illness due to their small size and developing immune system, so they can easily become dehydrated or undernourished without proper intervention.
Causes of Upset Stomach
With kittens, the three most common causes of an upset stomach are parasites, gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines) and dietary indiscretion (eating nonfood items or foods outside of their usual routine). And yes — some kittens can have two or even all of these at once.
Some of the more common intestinal parasites that can cause diarrhea and/or vomiting are:
- Coccidia
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Tapeworms
- Giardia
Diagnosing Your Kitten's Upset Stomach
To determine whether your kitten has an intestinal parasite, your veterinarian will test a sample of their feces and prescribe treatment as appropriate. However, gastroenteritis and dietary indiscretion are harder to diagnose (kittens never confess to what silly thing they ate!). In a worst-case scenario, kittens can eat an object that causes a physical obstruction of the intestines, which requires surgery. Thankfully, this is less common than the other causes.
There's no test for gastroenteritis, so your veterinarian will make a presumptive diagnosis by ruling out other causes. Gastroenteritis can be caused by abruptly changing foods, feeding a new treat or human food that's irritating to the gut, or, in the case of stray kittens, eating whatever they can find (as well as other causes). If you adopt a formerly stray kitten, chances are their gut microbiome didn't get off to a great start, which can make them more prone to GI issues.
How to Prevent Tummy Aches
Keeping your kitten's tummy as happy as possible takes a few simple steps. Here's how to support your kitten's GI tract.
Change Food Gradually
If you need to switch your kitten's food, do it slowly over a week by gradually adding more new food to their old food each day.
Tasty Tips
Try Probiotics
Probiotics can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which helps kittens' digestive tracts, immune systems and overall whole-body health. Your veterinarian can recommend the best probiotic for your kitten.
Experiment With Different Foods
Expose your kitten to both dry and canned foods, and monitor which one they tolerate best. Consider a food supplemented with prebiotic fibers to feed the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
Keep Regular Vet Visits
Regular veterinary visits and deworming can help keep your kitten healthy. The same goes for addressing an older cat's upset stomach, too.
Kitten Upset Stomach Remedies
The primary concern with any signs of a kitten's upset stomach is dehydration. The younger and smaller the kitten, the more quickly they can become dehydrated, so it's important to visit your veterinarian soon after noticing any signs. If the sign is diarrhea, bring a sample to your veterinarian visit for testing. If the sign is vomiting or low appetite, your veterinarian may recommend X-rays or blood tests to rule out certain causes, or they may be able to diagnose your kitten based on their specific signs of illness.
Depending on the cause and signs of your kitten's upset stomach, your veterinarian may recommend any of the following treatments:
- Injections to help reduce nausea and vomiting
- Fluids to treat dehydration
- Medications to treat parasites
- Probiotics to restore a compromised gut microbiome
- Medications to firm up the stool
- Other treatments based on the cause of the signs
Food for Healthy Digestion
Beyond these kitten upset stomach remedies, one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain healthy digestion is food. Because a growing kitten requires specific nutrition, the best option is a complete and balanced food designed for kittens.
Foods can support a healthy microbiome and digestion while providing the correct balance of protein, calories and fat your growing kitten needs to thrive. Your veterinarian can suggest a variety of options to help your kitten, including dry and canned foods.
Getting on the Road to Recovery
Fortunately, the vast majority of kittens recover quickly and easily from tummy trouble with proper intervention. With your care, your veterinarian's expertise, and a combination of nutritional and veterinary treatment strategies, your kitten should be back to playing in no time.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Savory Entrée Can Variety Pack
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Salmon & Vegetable Canned Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Hairball Control cat food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Kitten No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports healthy brain, eye & immune system development
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Tender Tuna & Vegetables Stew cat food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Beef Dinner
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free Salmon & Yellow Peas Recipe cat food
Grain free, easy-to-digest food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Entrée Can Variety Pack Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice cat food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet minced beef in precisely balanced nutrition. Provides a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of gourmet savory beef to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Chicken Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Cat Food
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Canned Cat Food Variety Pack, Vegetable & Chicken and Liver & Chicken
Feline Adult Perfect Weight Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Fewer calories for less active cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Vegetables Stew Cat Food
Related articles
Food Allergies, Intolerance & Your Cat's Sensitive Stomach
Learn about how food allergies might be responsible for your cat's sensitive stomach & vomiting, and how trying a hypoallergenic cat food can help.
What Is the Best Couch & Furniture Material for Cats?
Wondering what couch materials will survive your cat's claws the best? Discover the best furniture material for cats, as well as some fabrics to avoid.
Can Cats See TV?
Do cats actually watch TV when they're chilling out on the couch with you? Learn more about how cats engage with and react to electronic screens.
How Wellness Checks Help Senior Cats
If you have a senior-aged cat, learn why its so important to take her to regular vet visits & blood work, especially if she has a health condition.
Causes & Types of Digestive Disorders in Your Cat
Learn about digestive disorders that might be afflicting your cat. Spot the symptoms and realize the importance of proper treatment.
Glaucoma in Cats: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Learn helpful information about glaucoma in cats, including types of the condition, clinical signs, other associated conditions, and treatment options.
Do Cats Like Music?
Have you ever wondered if cat's like music? And if so, what kind? Check out this article that digs into the science behind your cat's taste in music.
Mixing Cats and Holidays: Tips for a Safe Season
Learn fun ways to involve your cat in this holiday season, from preparing your house for holiday guests to participation in holiday traditions.
Understanding the Basics of How to Build a Catio | Hill's Pet
Want to learn how to build a catio? Get started with DIY cat enclosure basics, including what to consider and how a catio can benefit your cat.
Cat Arthritis: Signs, Causes and Treatment
Get the answers to your questions about cat arthritis here, from signs of arthritis in cats to treatment for feline arthritis.
Origins of 6 Common Cat Sayings
Learn about the origins of the most common cat phrases and exactly what it means when you hear one.
Allergic Dermatitis & Skin Conditions in Cats: Causes & Treatments
Discover some of the signs of feline skin conditions, how to help improve them, and when to consult your veterinarian about your cat's skin health.
Real Life Stories of Caring for Cats with Disabilities
Read about the journey of three cats with disabilities and how, despite their handicaps, they're just as lovable and capable as any other cat.
Choosing the Best Cats for Apartments
Learn important tips for choosing cats best suited for apartment living, including what types of living spaces are best for certain breeds of cats.
Do Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds Exist? (& Which Breeds Shed the Least?)
Even though all cat breeds still produce allergens, those that shed less can be a good choice for allergy sufferers. Learn which breeds might work for you.
Kitten Proofing Your Home with 10 Easy-to-Follow Tips
Learn more about household items can potentially be harmful to kittens and other ways to keep your kitten safe at home.
Helping Your Cat Lose Weight: Cat Foods for Weight Loss and Exercise Tips
How do you get a cat to lose weight? Learn all about cat foods for weight loss, including how to choose weight control cat food and exercise tips.
Can Cats Get Concussions?
Find out how to recognize if your cat has experienced a head trauma, what to do if you think she has and whether or not a concussion might have occurred.
Cat Life Stages: Providing the Best Care for Your Cat at Any Age
From the kitten stage to the geriatric cat stage, learn the six cat life stages and tips for providing the best care for your cat at any stage of her life.
Male Cat Urinary Blockages: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
While male cat urinary blockages are common, they can be life-threatening. Learn how to spot symptoms and info on prevention, treatments & stress factors.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.