What Causes Diarrhea in Cats?
Diarrhea is not an uncommon problem with cats. Normally, it is caused by something as simple as a dietary change or an intestinal irritation. It can, however, also be caused by parasites, bacteria, or something as bad as pancreatitis or liver disease. If your cat has diarrhea for more than a couple of days, you should definitely take her to your veterinarian to help find and eliminate the cause! If you see blood or mucus, you should call your vet right away. If you see worms, your cat may need to be taken to the vet as well.
Ways to Prevent Diarrhea in Cats?
To help avoid diarrhea caused by dietary changes, it is important to not change your cat’s food quickly or frequently. A good rule to go by is to choose the best brand of cat food that you can afford and stick to it. Even when giving canned food, don’t change up brands. It is okay to change flavors, but stick to the same brand. If you do decide to change, make the change gradually. Start by mixing the new brand with the old brand half and half, and then add a little more of the new brand each day until they are completely changed over.
Also, make sure that there is nothing lying around on the floor that your cat can swallow. Many bouts of diarrhea are finally traced back to a something a cat was chewing on. The tiny little strands of a wicker basket they were tearing off can scratch their intestinal tracts, cause bleeding, and even lead to infection.
What to Do if Your Cat Has Diarrhea
The moment you notice that your cat has diarrhea, begin making sure that they are staying hydrated! Dehydration can seriously harm your cat. If you have trouble getting your cat to drink, you can give them water with a medicine dropper, and you can also try to get them to eat some canned food. Pedialyte is also beneficial. Do not give your cat milk, as this, too, can cause diarrhea.
If your kitten has diarrhea, don't take any chances. Call your vet immediately, as dehydration can take a kitten quickly!
NEVER give cats Pepto Bismol! You can, however, give the cat about one quarter of a teaspoon of plain yogurt helped ease their tummy and balance their digestive system.
If you have more than one cat and don’t know which one has diarrhea, you can separate them in different rooms until you know. It isn’t a bad idea to isolate the cats from each other just in case it is something contagious.
If you have any questions, please drop by the discussion area!
