Key takeaways
Vomiting and diarrhoea are common in kittens, especially after rehoming, and many cases can be managed at home.
Contact a vet if your kitten seems lethargic, has a bloated or painful abdomen, is losing a lot of fluid, or if symptoms don't improve on a bland diet.
Vomiting can occasionally be a sign of something more serious, such as intussusception or swallowing a foreign object, toxin, or medication, these need immediate veterinary attention.
Vomiting and diarrhoea are very common in kittens, particularly those that have recently been rehomed. While it can be alarming, many cases are straightforward and can be managed at home. Knowing the causes and understanding when to seek veterinary help can make all the difference.
What causes vomiting and diarrhoea in kittens?
Stress from rehoming or changes in environment
Intestinal parasites, including worms and amoebae
Bacterial or viral infections, including parvovirus
Rapid changes in diet or dietary indiscretion
Vitamin deficiencies or toxin ingestion
Congenital problems
Ingestion of foreign material such as wool or string
Worms are particularly common in kittens as they can be acquired in the womb and through their mother's milk. Large numbers of worms can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and weight loss. A vet can recommend a worming programme suitable for your kitten's age.
Can I treat my kitten's vomiting at home?
Small bouts of watery diarrhoea or a small amount of regurgitated food can often be managed at home. Feed a bland diet little and often, withhold rich treats and titbits, and offer tepid water in small amounts. Your kitten should still appear bright and normal throughout.
When should I take my kitten to the vet?
You should contact a vet if any of the following apply:
Your kitten is lethargic, not acting normally, or not wanting to play
The abdomen seems bloated or painful
There is a large amount of fluid being lost, or blood is present in the vomit or diarrhoea
Symptoms have not responded to a bland die
More than one cat is affected, or a family member is also unwell
When is vomiting a medical emergency?
Vomiting can occasionally signal something more serious. In some cases, vomiting can be caused by a condition called intussusception, where a portion of the intestine slides into an adjacent section and becomes stuck. This is often very painful and may present as severe abdominal pain and collapse alongside vomiting and diarrhoea. If you suspect this, see a vet immediately.
If you suspect your kitten has swallowed a foreign object, a toxin, or any medication, contact your vet immediately. Even small amounts of human medication can be fatal to kittens due to differences in the way they process drugs.
Authors and contributors
Disclaimer
Vets Now assumes no liability for the content of this page. This advice is not a substitute for a proper consultation with a vet and is only intended as a guide. Please contact your local veterinary practice for advice or treatment immediately if you are worried about your pet’s health, even if they are closed, they will always have an out-of-hours service available.