Quck answer
Cats can experience diarrhea for various reasons, including dietary changes, stress, and infections. Home remedies for cats with diarrhea include feeding them a bland diet of boiled chicken or fish and rice, offering probiotics to improve gut health, and providing plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration. Pumpkin puree and slippery elm bark supplements can also help alleviate diarrhea symptoms. However, if a cat’s diarrhea persists for more than a day or two, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting or lethargy, it is important to seek veterinary care to rule out more serious underlying conditions.
Pets
Cats are known to enjoy milk, but it can cause diarrhea. However, if your cat’s stools have been loose lately, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. Diarrhea in cats can be a defense mechanism that speeds up the intestines’ action and reduces water absorption from the gut, causing dehydration. Certain viruses and diseases, a change in diet, or a food allergy can also trigger diarrhea, which may not clear up for several days. However, you can treat mild diarrhea at home with these remedies.
Treating a Cat With Diarrhea
If the diarrhea is severe and lasts for more than 24 hours, or worsens, is bloody, or accompanied by other symptoms, call the vet immediately. To treat mild diarrhea, consult your vet before changing your cat’s diet. Switching to a more natural cat food brand can help clear up the current trouble and prevent future bouts. However, changing foods can also cause intestinal upsets, so do it gradually. You may also consider giving your cat a bland home-cooked diet until the diarrhea subsides. Two parts cooked white rice mixed with one part boiled hamburger or chicken is easy to digest. Rice-based cat foods are also available at most pet supply stores.
Start by making a mental checklist of the previous 24 hours and the past week. Identify anything unusual that may have occurred, such as rummaging through the garbage, drinking milk, eating a new food, or experiencing a major stress or trauma. If your cat has mild diarrhea, these remedies can help, but if the symptoms persist, contact your vet as soon as possible.
If your cat is experiencing diarrhea, a fast of 12 to 24 hours may help calm their digestive system. During this time, only give your cat access to water. Once you start feeding them again, begin with a bland mixture of rice and slowly introduce regular food, gradually reducing the amount of rice mixture until they are back on their normal diet. A bulk-forming laxative like plain Metamucil can also help normalize your cat’s stools. If diarrhea persists, ensure your cat continues to drink plenty of water and replenish lost electrolytes with unflavored Pedialyte mixed with their water or given with a dropper. Relaxation, stress reduction, and gentle exercise may also help clear up diarrhea. Do not use over-the-counter diarrhea products for humans unless specifically instructed by your vet. By following these home remedies, you can help your cat’s digestive system return to normal.
Cat Diarrhea FAQ
If your cat has diarrhea, try switching to a more natural brand of cat food to ease their digestion. If their stools remain soft after a week on the new diet, add a half-teaspoon of Metamucil to their meals for two days. You can also give your cat unflavored Pedialyte to replace lost nutrients. Diarrhea in indoor cats is often caused by eating something that disagrees with their stomach, illness, hairballs, or food allergies. Mild diarrhea can usually be treated at home, but severe, watery, or bloody diarrhea accompanied by vomiting and fever requires immediate veterinary attention. Prolonged diarrhea is usually caused by infectious agents or non-infectious irritants such as toxins or poisonous plants.
Lots More Information
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Sources
- ASPCA. “Diarrhea.” ASPCA Cat Care. 2011. (Jan. 7, 2022)В В В В В В В В В В В В В В В В В В В В В В В В В http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/diarrhea.aspx
- Barchas, Eric. “Diarrhea in Cats and Dogs.” 2011. Dr. Barchas. (Jan. 7, 2022)В В http://drbarchas.com/diarrhea
- Cat Health Guide. “Cat Diarrhea.” Cat Health Guide. 2009. (Jan. 7, 2022)В В В В В В В В В В В В http://www.cat-health-guide.org/catdiarrhea.html
- Coates, Jennifer, DVM. “Cat Diarrhea: 5 Treatment Options You Should Try.” PetMD. Sept. 29, 2017 (Jan. 7, 2022) https://www.petmd.com/cat/care/cat-diarrhea-5-treatment-options-you-should-try
- Foster, Race. “Diarrhea & Vomiting in Cats.” Pet Education. 2011. (Jan. 7, 2022)В http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2122&aid=254В
- Nash, Holly. “Diarrhea in Cats.” Foster & Smith. 2011. (Jan. 7, 2022)В http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2122&aid=3573
- PetMD Editorial. “Feline Panleukopenia Virus in Cats (Feline Distemper).” July 31, 2009. (Jan. 7, 2022)В https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_ct_feline_panleukopenia
- Parker, Richard.”Can Cats Eat Rice And Chicken?” Senior Cat Wellness. (Jan. 7, 2022)В https://www.seniorcatwellness.com/can-cats-eat-rice-and-chicken/
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VetInfo. “Cat Dehydration Treatment with Pedialyte.” (Jan. 7, 2022) https://www.vetinfo.com/cat-dehydration-treatment-with-pedialyte.html
FAQ
1. What causes diarrhea in cats?
Diarrhea in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, including dietary changes, stress, bacterial or viral infections, parasites, and medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or pancreatitis.
2. How can I tell if my cat has diarrhea?
Diarrhea in cats is usually characterized by loose, watery stools that may be accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause.
3. Can I treat my cat’s diarrhea at home?
There are several home remedies you can use to help alleviate your cat’s diarrhea, such as feeding a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice, providing plenty of fresh water, and giving probiotics to help balance the digestive system.
4. Is it safe to give my cat over-the-counter medications for diarrhea?
No, it is not recommended to give your cat over-the-counter medications for diarrhea without consulting with your veterinarian first. Some medications may be toxic to cats or may exacerbate the underlying condition causing the diarrhea.
5. Can I give my cat pumpkin for diarrhea?
Yes, pureed pumpkin can be a helpful home remedy for cats with diarrhea. The fiber in pumpkin can help bulk up the stool and regulate the digestive system. However, it’s important to use plain, canned pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which may contain added sugars and spices.
6. How can I prevent my cat from getting diarrhea?
You can help prevent your cat from getting diarrhea by feeding a high-quality, balanced diet, providing clean water and a clean litter box, and keeping up with regular veterinary check-ups and parasite prevention.
7. When should I take my cat to the vet for diarrhea?
You should take your cat to the vet for diarrhea if it persists for more than a day or two, if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting or lethargy, or if your cat is very young, very old, or has an underlying medical condition.
8. What kinds of tests might my vet perform to diagnose my cat’s diarrhea?
Depending on the symptoms and history of your cat, your vet may perform blood tests, fecal exams, and imaging studies such as X-rays or ultrasounds to determine the underlying cause of the diarrhea.
9. Can stress cause diarrhea in cats?
Yes, stress can be a common cause of diarrhea in cats. Changes to the environment, routine, or diet can all contribute to stress and digestive upset. Providing a calm, consistent environment and keeping up with regular routines can help reduce stress and prevent diarrhea.
10. Can I give my cat antibiotics for diarrhea?
Antibiotics may be prescribed by your veterinarian for diarrhea caused by bacterial infections or other underlying conditions. However, it’s important to only give antibiotics as directed and to complete the full course of treatment to prevent antibiotic resistance.
11. How long does it typically take for a cat’s diarrhea to resolve?
The duration of diarrhea in cats can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity. Simple cases of diarrhea may resolve within a day or two, while more complex cases may require several weeks of treatment and monitoring.
12. Can I still feed my cat treats while they have diarrhea?
It’s best to avoid giving your cat treats or other non-essential foods while they have diarrhea. Stick to a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice or prescription veterinary food until the diarrhea resolves.
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