I have a 6 week old kitten who is being treated for a URI and parasites with a couple of different antibiotics. He used to have diarrhea but after a day on the meds that cleared up and now it seems like he is straining to poop (he still gets it out eventually, but there's a lot of grunting and discomfort). I started giving him some canned pumpkin today per the vet's suggestion, but I am wondering if there's anything else I can do for the poor guy?
Call the vet back. Let them know that the kitten is straining to defecate. It is likely that the kitten has developed colitis. This can cause straining. Colitis is usually treated with antibiotics.
However, if the kitten has a heavy parasite load, the dead worms can cause a blockage which can be life threatening.
I think the mother has to stimulate them to poop by licking them. If they don't have a mother then wipe them with a wet clothe.
Please call the vet again and in the mean time, gently rub his little tummy if he'll let you.
LEt the kitten eat grass and some lettuce that will help his tummy
