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I've never had it happen before - but kittens with one type of worms often have several types and it could be a coincidence that another type has just multiplied enough at this point to cause problems. Or sometimes the balance in the gut just gets upset.

Tapes usually don't cause symptoms by themselves in cats (other than the yucky little rice grains on the butt )

To be on the safe side you should probably submit a stool sample from at least one kitten to the vet - not that I've had a lot of luck with fecal exams at the vet but at least something glaringly obvious might be picked up on that. My next step would probably be to do another general worming (as you probably know, tapeworms require a specific medication different than the "other" worming meds). How long has it been since the kittens were generally wormed? Most of the meds I'm familiar with for roundworms require re-dosing every 2 weeks. Coccidia is also very common. Giardia is somewhat common.

If the fecal comes up negative and re-dosing with the general wormer on schedule doesn't help, I'd either treat for coccidia or just try some diet-based help (like canned pumpkin) to help firm up the stools.

Good luck, keep us posted.

Oh, I am really sorry to hear about your kitten loss. It is the most devastating part of kitten rescue - struggling with a sick kitten and putting everything you have into them, and then they die anyway. They are so pitiful when they're in that state. I assume you have the survivors in that litter on antibiotics? Yes, if it is calicivirus be very careful - it's a nasty one and back when I was taking kittens from the shelter I dealt with it quite a bit. Actually, it was worse in the adults who caught it, so watch that mama. But there is the new calicivirus that is going around. I don't know if it is worse in kittens than the other one.

Make sure you get the fleas taken care of... tiny kittens who are struggling don't need the added burden of the blood-suckers making them anemic.

I've found most kittens do like the pumpkin. My Shakespeare used to relish it when I had her on it If it works for you, by a lot of cans this time of year - this is when it's on sale - stock up for the year! Also, if your babes are on antibiotics, that could be causing the loose stools - some antibiotics give cats diarrhea (and at least one that I use actually seems to stop diarrhea! But it's not as good on URI's as the one that gives diarrhea - so complicated!)

Welcome to the board.