My Kittens Bum is Red

by Melissa
(Calgary, AB Canada)

Hi, We just got a kitten a week ago he was born May 13 and today is Aug 28. His previous owners told us he was eating adult hard food and drinking milk. I've always been told not to give kittens/cats any milk as it causes diahrea. He seems to be crying alot and we will cuddle him and try everything to comfort him as we thought it was because he is in a new home and is confused. We have been breaking up kitten hard food and adding some water to it for him and he seems to love it, he is now starting to eat some of the hard kitten food. I was looking at his bum today and it seems swollen and its red, he is pooping and peeing just fine. We had another cat before him who was almost 3 years old and he started to scream cry and we notice his bum was red and swollen and leaking we took him to a vet and he had a blockage which lead to him needing a UP surgery so we had to put him down because the vet didnt even think he would make it after the surgery. Im starting to worry that it might be the same thing but our other cat couldnt go to the bathroom or anything and this one seems to be doing that just fine. I cant afford to take him to the vet right now so im just wanting any kind of advice you can give me because although we havnt had him for long we are completely in love with him and want to help him in any way we can. He seems healthy hes full of energy and so curious about everything he plays with his tail all the time (its almost like he thinks he's a dog lol). Do you think its something serious?

Answer by Kate
Hi yes your right cats should not drink cows milk as they are unable to process lactose which can cause tummy upsets and diarrhea. this could be the issue as it can take some time for the situation to settle down. Also a move to a new home, new food etc can upset a kittens tummy.

Make sure you are feeding him only kitten food and providing fresh water for him. Cats wean around 8 to 12 weeks after birth so he should be fine with solid food now. i have some pages about kitten care which you may find of further help here
https://www.our-happy-cat.com/kitten-care.html

Give him another week etc to settle down but if the redness and swelling does not go away then he may need some medication to or treatment. Has he been wormed and treated for fleas ? these are things to make sure is carried out, again your vet will be able to provide you with the correct treatments for his age group.

best wishes Kate

---