Most cats experience brief bouts of diarrhea from time to time, and the cause is often something not to worry about, like a very sudden change from one type of food to another. But the causes of cat diarrhea also include serious, even fatal, health problems. Therefore, it is important to know what to do in order to treat diarrhea in cats and when to see the vet. If your cat has diarrhea, don't worry! In this guide we help you know everything to get your cat's stomach back on track. At Petaholic, we have also provided all the supplies that provide a healthy life for your cat to prevent diarrhea.
What are the most effective types of diarrhea treatment in cats?
Diarrhea is not a disease that can be cured, but rather a symptom of an underlying disease or malfunction of the gut. Acute diarrhea usually does not require treatment in adult cats, and it usually resolves on its own. However, if your cat's diarrhea is persistent, you'll want to talk to your vet about how to treat diarrhea in cats that are right for this symptom. Here's what doctors do to treat cat diarrhea.
Treatment prescribed by the vet
Dehydration is common in cats with diarrhea. Therefore, your vet may start treatment with intravenous fluids. He will likely perform a hands-on exam for your cat and may need to perform a rectal exam or X-ray. If you have a fresh stool sample, your vet may want to test it as well.
Depending on your vet's findings, treating the underlying cause of the diarrhea could be as simple as following a diet prescribed by your vet, a course of deworming medication, or antibiotics. Other causes of gastrointestinal upset such as obstruction may require surgery. Infectious and chronic diseases that cause diarrhea include a long-term treatment plan recommended by your veterinarian. Your vet may also prescribe antidiarrheals to provide relief while the underlying causes are treated.
Diet change
Treating cat diarrhea begins with a change in diet. It is best to talk to your vet about the underlying cause. If your vet indicates that diet is the cause of the diarrhea, these changes to your cat's diet can help:
- Increase fiber with plain pumpkin puree, psyllium husk supplement, or high-fiber cat food.
- Add digestive-supporting probiotics to meals.
- Feed a low-carb, high-protein diet.
When deciding what to feed cats with diarrhea, you should look for foods that contain sufficient fat and moisture and aim to eliminate the need for plant-based treats. Dry foods are usually high in carbohydrates, which is a biologically inappropriate ingredient that can cause diarrhea in your cat, unless it is a dry food with good moisture content that is meant for cats with sensitive stomachs. Instead, try feeding your cat with diarrhea a low-carb wet food.
Treatment of diarrhea in cats at home
Not all cases of diarrhea require a trip to the vet or long-term dietary changes. If you are wondering what to give your cat to help treat diarrhea as a symptom, simple diarrhea from nutritional neglect can be treated with a bland diet such as boiled chicken and rice for just a few days. Also, to avoid dehydration, add more water to your cat's meals, or encourage them to drink by adding a little tuna water to their dishes.
Natural remedies
Cannabidiol, found in the cannabis plant, has been shown to have many beneficial uses when given in the correct dosage as recommended by doctors. One of these beneficial uses could be improving digestive health and reducing the likelihood of bouts of diarrhea. Cannabidiol activates certain receptors in the gut, which enhances nutrient absorption, reduces the onset of chronic digestive conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, and is beneficial for long-term digestive health.
Some of the healthy foods that we at Petaholic recommend for your cat with a sensitive stomach to prevent diarrhea are:
When does diarrhea call for a visit to the vet immediately?
Persistent diarrhea or chronic diarrhea that occurs frequently or lasts 14 days or longer. It should not be in a wait-and-see situation and requires an appointment with the vet to look for the cause and treatment usually within three days of onset. When left untreated, diarrhea can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and shock.
Short-term, self-healing diarrhea or severe diarrhea does not always require medical attention from a veterinarian. Acute feline diarrhea can clear up on its own once your cat has had an upset stomach or the stressors of her environment have been relieved. But if your cat's diarrhea is bloody, looks like tar, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, fever or lethargy, it's best to contact your vet immediately.
If you are looking for the best diet for your cat to avoid diarrhea, we recommend:
How do you prevent your cat from getting diarrhea?
The first step in preventing diarrhea in cats is to see your vet for routine visits. Your vet will recommend preventive vaccinations, stool testing, and answer questions about your cat's diet. Then, you can follow these anti-diarrhea preventive measures that are appropriate for your cat:
- Support a healthy gut microbiome: All of our fiber and probiotic supplements are the most effective ways to promote gut health that we recommend at petaholic.
- Feed a biologically appropriate diet: Cats are omnivores, who feel happy and healthy with a meat-based diet. So avoid the veggies, grains, and carbs in commercial packaged foods, and yes, that means fewer treats and dry foods.
- Reducing stress: Stress and anxiety can manifest in a number of ways, including an upset tummy and diarrhea. So give your cat plenty of stimulation and try to stick to a routine.
- Avoid foods that cause cat diarrhea, and in excess of which your cat will have diarrhea. These foods are: rich or fatty foods, foods high in carbohydrates, including some commercial foods, foods high in fiber, such as much plain pumpkin puree, dairy products including That's milk and cheese.
- Avoid Foods That Cats Are Sensitive To: When your cat has a food allergy that leads to diarrhea, it is most likely due to the presence of protein in the food. Sometimes the problem is chicken, beef, or another protein, and sometimes the protein component is in a vegetable matter like wheat, corn, or rice.
Some of the healthy wet foods that we recommend for a healthy and balanced diet are:
Now that you are more familiar with what to do when your cat has diarrhea, there is no need to worry about lack of knowledge and experience. By following all of the tips in this guide, you will be able to treat cat diarrhea , and deal with your cat's diarrhea professionally and calmly. In Petaholic you will also find all the healthy foods that help your cat recover from and prevent diarrhea.
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