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Why is my kitten chewing her rubber mat and having diarrhea?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 10 months and 21 days old | 10 lbs

Leena has been chewing on her rubber litter mat and possibly ingesting some. She’s had diarrhea the last 1.5-2 days. Could she be chewing on the mat because of a nutrional deficiency? I’m assuming the diarrhea could be a result of a deficiency, but could it be from her possibly ingesting the mat? She has a normal appetite, energy, personality. She has been using her litter box about 3 to 4 times a day, which is normal for her, and there has been at most 2 diarrhea piles when scooping her box.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on February 15, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Leena!

Leena is a kitten and puppies and kittens chew on inappropriate things. I do not think she is chewing on the mat due to a deficiency, I think it is just kitten behavior. The most common causes of diarrhea in a young cat are: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections, dietary indiscretion (eating things), food allergy or intolerance, new food/treat or human food.

I would remove the mat so she doesn't ingest a marge piece of rubber and become obstructed. If the diarrhea persists I recommended having your Vet examine her and bring a stool sample to have it checked for worms. You can try a probiotic like Purina Fortiflora.

I hope this helps and I wish Leena the best!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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