Clear liquid from anus and soft stools

Mikeymousegod
Mikeymousegod Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

I’m new to the forum so I’ll introduce myself briefly before telling you about my problem: I adopted a little 3-month-old kitten last June from the SPCA (the Canadian version of the RSPCA lol). Little Peanut stayed with her mum for the full 3 months, so she is properly weaned. She was already spayed when I adopted her. All her vaccinations are up to date; there was only one left to do when I got her, which was done at the start of July. I didn't have her declawed—I honestly don't understand how Canada still allows such a barbaric practice.

Peanut is very sociable, playful, and full of energy. Her breeder was feeding her Royal Canin Kitten, so I kept her on that for a week. After a week, Peanut started vomiting (about once every two days). I decided to switch her to my preferred brand: Hill’s Science Plan kitten dry food. I did a proper food transition over 7 days. I also saw the vet around the same time, and they gave me a worming treatment to be done in two 5-day courses with a 2-week break in between. I made sure she finished the whole course.

One important detail: Peanut has always had "soft" stools—not exactly diarrhoea, but not nice firm stools either; somewhere in between, let’s say! Her breeder told me it was the same with her, but mentioned that kittens often have soft stools because their stomachs are adjusting to the switch from milk to meat.

The worming treatment finished last Saturday, and I took her to the vet this Monday for a stool sample analysis. They found a tiny egg in the sample, and the vet gave Peanut a tablet, though I’ve completely forgotten the name of it. Other than that, the vet said she’s in excellent health!

Back at home: since Monday, Peanut has had a sort of clear liquid coming from her anus. It’s not constant, but sometimes it’s as if she’s passing wind and a bit of clear liquid comes out. The liquid doesn't have a strong smell, but it’s happened several times now—I’ve found a few spots on my duvet cover. And this morning, I feel like her stools were even runnier than usual. So, I’m headed back to the vet this afternoon.

I have a few questions if any of you have dealt with this kind of thing before:

- Do you think the fact she has soft stools is serious? She seems to love her dry food and eats well. Plus, she has a water fountain and drinks quite a bit.

- Have any of you encountered this clear liquid issue before? Any idea where it might be coming from?

Sorry for the massive essay, and thanks everyone!

Translated from French
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9 answers
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    • S
    Sarah123pz Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi, I’m having the same issue with my cat. He’s a year old and neutered, but since this morning I’ve noticed that his back end is soaking wet. I’ve been keeping an eye on him and it’s happened again; I realised it was coming from his anus—it looks dilated and there’s yellowish mucus coming out. I’ve called the vet and have an appointment this evening, but I’m really scared it might be something serious. Does anyone have any idea what it could be? Hi there, how’s your little one doing? I’m in the same boat.
    Translated from French
    V
    Viocaramel Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi, I’m having the same problem with my cat. He’s a year old and neutered, but since this morning I’ve noticed his back end is soaking wet. I’ve been keeping an eye on him and it’s happened again; I’ve realised it’s coming from his anus, which looks dilated, and there’s some yellowish discharge coming out. I’ve called the vet and have an appointment for this evening, but I’m really worried it might be serious. Does anyone have any idea what it could be?
    Translated from French
    L
    Lylymarcotte Icon representing the flag French
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    Did it all get sorted out? I’m having the same problem with my cat at the minute! Discharge coming from the anus, not eating... etc.
    Translated from French
    Mikeymousegod
    Mikeymousegod Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi everyone, Just giving you all a quick update on Peanut! We’re halfway through the treatment now: it’s a bit of a struggle sometimes getting her to take her tablets morning and night, but I’m managing! I’m putting the FortiFlora in her wet food, but she never eats a huge amount of it. Her poo has completely changed shape, so it looks like it’s working! However, she’s going much less often (for instance, I emptied her litter tray this morning and when I got back this evening, there was nothing in there). I’ll check again tomorrow morning to see if she’s been! Speak soon! :)
    Translated from French
    G
    Greylox Icon representing the flag French
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    Poor Peanut. Thinking of you both. The milk was really just a 'just in case'—in these situations, I prefer to cast a wide net to try and get to the bottom of the problem :)
    Translated from French
    Mikeymousegod
    Mikeymousegod Icon representing the flag French
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    I’m just back from the vet.

    So, my Peanut has quite a sore bum on both sides of her anal glands. The vet told me it’s normal for the glands to express themselves, but the irritation is likely due to her stools being too soft. So, I’ve got to get some Vaseline and apply it twice a day.

    As for the loose stools, the vet thinks it might be a protozoan parasite. He’s prescribed Metronidazole, two tablets a day, morning and night. This is combined with one sachet of Fortiflora a day to be mixed into her wet food.

    Peanut has started eating and enjoying wet food over the last few days; she wouldn’t touch it before, but the vet told me to try giving her a little bit off my finger every evening. It seems to have worked because she just ate some from her bowl!

    @Greylox: The vet said to stick with the Hill's dry food for now so we don’t change her diet yet again. And no, I don’t give Peanut cow’s milk—I don’t even have any in the house because I don’t like the stuff, haha!

    So, we’re going to follow this treatment for 10 days and see how she gets on! I’ll keep you all updated.

    At the moment, poor Peanut is resting after her meds; it seems to have really taken it out of her, especially after the trip to the vet!

    Translated from French
    G
    Greylox Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi, First of all, a few thoughts I had while reading your first post: A 7-day transition is a bit on the short side; it would have been better to do it over two weeks. What you're describing isn't normal, so you should give your vet another ring and explain this new "symptom". It could be his anal glands, but only the vet will be able to confirm that and suggest a solution. Diarrhoea leads to dehydration, so you shouldn't let it linger. Sometimes a bit of a tummy settler for a few days is enough to sort the problem out, but I must stress the importance of another consultation (at least over the phone) and avoiding any self-medication. To be honest, I'm quite sceptical about what the breeder told you. At 3 months old, a kitten should have finished their transition a long time ago. I'm also not a fan of a kitten that age having bouts of vomiting (unless, of course, it’s because they're bolting their food, in which case you can get slow-feeder bowls! :)) Just in case: if you happen to be giving your kitten cow's milk, you need to stop immediately (that could be the reason for the loose stools). Regarding your second message: Taste of the Wild is often very highly rated, BUT I’d advise against changing your kitten’s diet again until you know the cause of these issues (or at the very least, keep them on the Hill's for a few weeks to let their digestive system settle down). When you do switch, make sure to do a very slow and gradual transition (over about a month and a half). If you switch to grain-free dry food, it's vital to give your cat wet food (tins or pouches) every day (about 40 to 50% of their daily ration). Grain-free kibble often has very high mineral levels, which is bad for a cat's kidneys. Feeding wet food alongside grain-free dry food ensures your cat stays hydrated throughout the day (cats aren't naturally big drinkers). Last but not least: well done for the decision not to have her declawed! Like you, I can't understand how it can still be legal in Canada (a country that we often tend to romanticise! ^^)
    Translated from French
    Mikeymousegod
    Mikeymousegod Icon representing the flag French
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    The dry food you're giving them contains grains that are bad for a cat's health and can cause loose stools. If your vet doesn't find anything in all the tests, it would be a good idea to switch the dry food to a grain-free brand.

    Thanks Aline28! Do you have any brands you'd recommend?

    I've started looking at some Canadian brands:

    - Taste of the Wild

    - Nutro

    - Blue Buffalo

    - ProNature

    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    The dry food you're giving him contains grains which aren't good for a cat's health and can cause soft stools. If your vet doesn't find anything wrong after all the tests, it would be worth switching to a grain-free brand.

    Translated from French

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