Kitty behavior

Question
I am the proud owner of a new 2 month old kitten. I adopted her from the SPCA and from the time I brought her home from now (a week difference) there have been some changes in her behavior. Shes had a case of diarrhea... the vet recommended switching to adult food due to the fact that the kitty forumla is too rich for her. I used the same food they gave her at the shelter. Also, when i initially brought her home she was very playful-- batted at toys, chased strings... now they dont phase her. Ive even bought new toys... and she will just look at them. Ive tried the cat nip toys, toys that move by themselves, balls, bells... nothing. All she wants to do is be held it seems like. She will stare at you and her cute 'meow' has now gone to what seems like a shrill frustrated plea. I dont want to spoil her by picking her up and holding her all the time, but i know she needs attention and affection. I also know kittens like to play... but shes not doing that. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Answer
Has she been tested for Feline Leukemia and FIV?  If not, she should be tested for these two deadly cat viruses that can be transmitted to kittens from their mothers.

In addition, she should have several fecal (stool) samples checked as diarrhea in kittens is often due to intestinal parasites.  I would recommend a course of deworming with Panacur (50 mg/kg once a day for 5 days) versus switching her diet to adult food.  She needs kitten food because she is growing.  A switch to a more healthy KITTEN food would be in order...try to get an all-natural food with meat as the first ingredient, no by-products, dyes or preservatives.  PRAIRIE is what I feed my cats www.naturesvariety.com and it really helps with my one cat's irritable bowel.  There are other natural foods out there such as Natural Balance, Innova, Verus, Flint River Ranch, Precise, Eagle Pack, Solid Gold...I would try to AVOID CORN due to the fact that cats do not digest it that well.

In addition, I would recommend giving her small amounts of yogurt with live cultures as this beneficial bacteria often helps promote intestinal health.   Digestive Enzymes may also be beneficial...I use Dancing Paws Shake N Zyme for my cats www.dancingpaws.com

And if the diarrhea is still persisting with the above recommendations, then I would have her tested for Toxoplasmosis and FIP as well as check a B12 and Folate level.

Good luck,
Dr. Fry
www.my4life.com/drfry