How to Treat Cat Diarrhea: Remedy, Causes and Symptoms

Diarrhea can be the worst and stressful disease for a cat parent. The majority of cats occasionally have a short period of diarrhea, and the cause is frequently benign – for example, switching food brands too quickly. However, there are other potentially harmful health conditions that can cause cat diarrhea, so it’s critical to recognize the warning signs.

If diarrhea lasts for less than 14 days then it is considered as acute diarrhea and if it lasts more than 14 days, it is considered as chronic diarrhea.

What to do when you find that your cat has diarrhea? Let’s look at how you can understand the causes of cat diarrhea.

Cat Diarrhea Symptoms

Cats suffering from diarrhea can have following symptoms:

• Weakness or Tiredness
• Blood or Mucus in Stool
• Increased frequency of defecation
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Worms in Stool
• Stomach pain
• Difficulty in defecate

 Cat Diarrhea Causes

Diarrhea has a wide range of causes. It usually happens when a cat consumes something strange or when its diet suddenly changes. When transitioning from one brand of cat food to another, it is advisable to gradually mix in more of the new food and less of the old food over the course of a week. This change reduces the possibility of diarrhea by allowing the pet’s digestive system to adjust.

Some other diarrhea causes:

1. Parasites:

Some parasites that infect cats are flatworms, hookworms, Giardia, and coccidia. Any of these parasites can be harmful to cats and cause diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.

2. Toxins:

Eating toxic things like insecticides, cleaning agents, rodenticides, can cause cat diarrhea and vomiting. Common outdoor and indoor plants can also cause diarrhea and other fatal diseases.

3. Stress:

Changing the environment or a new person or animal in the house can be stressful for cats. If cats are anxious, their bodies release fluid that can cause acute diarrhea.

4. Viral Infections:

Some cat infections, such as Feline panleukopenia, Feline infectious peritonitis, and Feline leukemia virus, can cause chronic diarrhea in cats.

How to Treat Cat Diarrhea?

When you find that your cat has symptoms of diarrhea, you can follow these steps to treat them.

Plenty of Water:

Dehydration is the main cause of diarrhea, especially for kittens. Give them plenty of fresh water and make them hydrated. You can also add water to their food.

Add fiber to their diet:

Try giving your cat one tablespoon of pureed pumpkin regularly. Additionally, cucurbitacin, a substance found in pumpkins, may be useful in treating intestinal parasites.

Consider if changes in Food:

Suddenly changing food can be stressful for a digestive cat’s digestive system. If you want to change, return to your previous feeding routine and progressively add fresh food by blending it in with the previous.

Extra Attention:

Make sure your cat or kitten isn’t getting dairy products from you or eating leftovers from the table. Give them healthy/fresh food and examine their movements.

What to feed a cat with diarrhea:

Veterinarians can advise moving your cat to a medication diet that is higher in fiber and simpler to digest, which will help your cat’s gut bacteria grow.

Cat diarrhea medicine:

If parasites are found, your veterinarian will probably administer an oral dewormer to your cat or kitten. Prescription antibiotics may also be given to deal with potential infections.

Cat diarrhea home remedy

When an adult cat has simple diarrhea, it’s usually best to give it little amounts of water often and delay feedings for 12 to 24 hours. Then, modest portions of a bland diet, such as rice and boiled chicken, are provided. If the diarrhea does not return, the cat is gradually returned to his regular diet over a few days.

In certain cases of diarrhea, a permanent diet adjustment may be required. Certain foods may need to be avoided, or the diet may need more fiber, less fat, or more easily digested.

Conclusion

In order to treat cat diarrhea, the underlying cause must be treated in addition to supportive care. Dietary changes, illnesses, parasites, and underlying medical disorders are common reasons. Tiredness, probable vomiting, and frequent, watery stool are usual symptoms.

Treatment usually includes easily digested diets, making sure they drink enough water, and maybe administering vet-prescribed medicines. In conclusion, moderate cases of diarrhea may be treated at home with proper care, but severe or persistent cases require veterinarian care to protect your cat’s well-being and health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why is my cat has diarrhea but seems fine?

Our feline friends frequently experience small periods of diarrhea, which can be brought on by mild intestinal distress from eating something that doesn’t agree with them, like table scraps.

Q. What is the medication for diarrhea in cats?

Veterinarians prescribe metronidazole, often known as Flagyl, as an antibiotic for cats with diarrhea or inflammatory bowel disease.

Q. Does yoghurt help in cat diarrhea?

Yogurt’s probiotics can aid your cat’s digestion, just like they do for us. Periodically, the probiotics can help ease symptoms including diarrhea, cramping in the stomach, and gas.