It’s very worrying when your cat has diarrhea. Diarrhea might be due to a change in food or a health problem that cannot be taken lightly. This article lets you in on what veterinary experts say you should do when your cat is experiencing diarrhea.
Diarrhea in Cats
Dietary Indiscretion
Cats are known to be inquisitive animals, so sometimes they end up eating something they ought not to. This typically causes them intestinal upset. The most common culprits include:
- Human food: Some are quite poisonous to cats, including chocolate, onions, and garlic.
- New Treats: The introduction of new treats may cause stomach upsets. Always introduce new foods gradually.
- Garbage: Ingesting garbage or rancid food and other indigestible items. Ensure that garbage cans have tight-fitting lids.
Food Allergies or Intolerances
Food allergies or intolerances can also lead to diarrhea in cats. Some common allergenic foods include:
- Dairy Products: Most cats are intolerant to lactose. Avoid giving them milk or cheese.
- Grains: Some cats may have intolerances towards grains. Opt for grain-free cat food.
- Proteins: Some occur in protein sources like beef or chicken. Consider alternative protein sources like duck or lamb.
Infections and Parasites
Infections and parasites play an important role in causing diarrhea in cats. Some of them include:
- Bacterial infections: Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter. These can be contracted from raw or undercooked meat.
- Viral infections: Feline panleukopenia, feline coronavirus. Vaccinations can help prevent these infections.
- Parasites: Giardiasis, coccidiosis, roundworms. Regular deworming is essential to keep your cat parasite-free.
Immediate Steps to Take
Monitor Symptoms
Analyze your cat’s symptoms. Look for:
- Frequency: How often is the diarrhea occurring? Frequent episodes need immediate attention.
- Consistency: Is it watery, bloody, or mucousy? Different consistencies can indicate different issues.
- Behavior: Is your cat lethargic or still playful? Changes in behavior can signal severity.
Provide Fresh Water
Diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Make sure your cat always has access to fresh water. Dehydration is indicated by the presence of the following signs:
- Sunken eyes
- Dry gums
- Lethargy
- Decreased skin elasticity: Gently pinch the skin over your pet’s shoulders and release it. In a well-hydrated cat, the skin will spring back into place. In a dehydrated cat, the skin will take longer to return to its original position.
Dietary Changes
Sometimes, dietary changes might help:
- Bland diet: Feed a bland diet with boiled chicken and rice. Avoid seasonings and oils.
- Hydrolyzed protein diet: Feed a hypoallergenic diet as advised by your vet. These diets break down proteins to prevent allergic reactions.
- Small, frequent meals: Give smaller amounts of food more often to help the digestion process.
When to Visit the Vet
Persistent Diarrhea
If diarrhea persists for over 24-48 hours, it’s time to see the vet. Chronic diarrhea can result in severe dehydration and nutrient deficiencies.
Accompanying Symptoms
Visit the vet if your cat has accompanying symptoms of:
- Vomiting: Frequent vomiting alongside diarrhea is a red flag.
- Weight loss: Sudden or significant weight loss needs immediate attention.
- Fever: Check for a high temperature; fever can indicate an infection.
- Severe lethargy: When your cat is unusually lethargic or unresponsive, seek veterinary care.
Diagnostic Tests
Fecal Examination
A fecal examination can diagnose the presence of parasites, bacteria, or other pathogens causing diarrhea. Your vet may request multiple samples for accurate diagnosis.
Blood Tests
Blood tests can be useful to measure the general health of the cat and detect any underlying conditions contributing to diarrhea. They can reveal infections, organ function issues, and more.
Imaging
Further testing may need to be done via imaging techniques such as X-rays or ultrasounds to check the gastrointestinal tract for possible abnormalities. These can detect blockages, tumors, or foreign objects.
Additional Tests
Your vet might wish to conduct the following tests on your cat:
- Endoscopy: This enables one to view the GI tract.
- Biopsy: It’s meant to take tissue samples for further examination.
Treatment Options
Medications
Diagnosis of the underlying condition means your veterinarian can prescribe medication, such as:
- Antibiotics: To cope with bacterial infections. Always complete the prescribed course.
- Antiparasitics: To bear down on parasites. Follow the vet’s dosing instructions.
- Probiotics: To help re-establish healthy gut flora. These can come in powder or capsule form.
Fluid Therapy
If dehydration is severe, fluid replacement may be required. This can be through administering fluids in the following manner:
- Subcutaneously: Giving fluids under the skin. This is a common method for mild to moderate dehydration.
- Intravenously: Giving fluids straight into a vein. Used in severe cases.
Dietary Management
Cats with chronic diarrhea may need to adhere to a long-term special feeding pattern, which includes:
- Prescription diets: Such diets are designed to help improve conditions of the gastrointestinal health system. Your vet can recommend the best options.
- Probiotic supplements: These foods help maintain a harmonious gut. These can be added to your cat’s regular food.
- High-fiber diet: To firm up stools and regulate digestion.
Preventive Measures
Regular Vet Check-ups
Scheduled examinations can help prevent and diagnose diseases before they become highly serious. Frequent fecal evaluations can help prevent parasites from infecting the pets.
Safe and Consistent Diet
Maintaining a safe and consistent diet is crucial. Avoid sudden changes in your cat’s diet, and keep them away from harmful foods. Introduce new foods gradually to prevent digestive upsets.
Clean Environment
Cleanliness in the environment: the cat must be kept in a clean environment to prevent infections. The cat’s litter box and food and water dishes must be cleaned regularly. Use pet-safe disinfectants to avoid toxic residues.
Regular Deworming
In order to be free from annoying parasites, your feline friend has to be dewormed regularly according to your vet’s advice, regarding how often and what product or products to use.
Vaccinations
Keep your cat up-to-date on their vaccinations. Vaccination can prevent a lot of infections which will cause diarrhea.
Diseases related to diarrhea in cats could suggest many serious health issues, some of which shall always require professional attention. Hence, through monitoring the symptoms, good care, and professional help when necessary, you will have a cat in good health.
