Pedialyte for Kittens with Diarrhea?

by Reader Question

Reader Question: Can you give Pedialyte to Kittens?

I just adopted a Ferrell kitten from a farm. The kitten is maybe three months of age. I brought her to a new city home after a three hour car ride. I have fed her canned kitten Science Diet cat food and she ate well at first but has had diarrhea for past 10 hours and is not eating now or drinking.

What do you suggest? I have heard that Pedialyte should be given. She has a litter box in her kennel filled with sand and she shares her kennel with her litter sister.

Suggestion From Our Veterinarian

Hello,

Pedialyte can be given to kittens, but in cases like this, it really is in your cat’s best interests to get her in to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Kittens are at risk for a long list of potentially very serious problems that cause symptoms like you describe, and diarrhea can quickly become debilitating in young animals.

A veterinarian will start by asking a few questions about your cat’s health history followed by a complete physical exam and fecal testing to look for some of the common parasites and bacteria that cause diarrhea in young kittens.

Based on the results of this initial work up, your veterinarian will be able to discuss your options with regards to treatment and/or continued diagnostic testing.

Best of luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM