Recognizing Diarrhea in Cats
It happens that a cat has diarrhea. An initial sign of this is a changed consistency of the stool. This alone is often not a big deal and if your cat otherwise seems lively, it usually gets better after 1-2 days. However, diarrhea associated with other symptoms should be closely monitored. If your cat does not feel better or if the symptoms worsen, you should consult a veterinarian.
Common accompanying symptoms of diarrhea in cats include:
- slimy or bloody stool
- doing business outside the litter box
- showing pain during defecation (hissing, loud meowing)
- restless circling of the litter box
- unusually clingy or withdrawn behavior
- fever
If you are unsure, you can of course go to the clinic at any time and have your cat examined. Sometimes a phone call is enough. Even if your cat is still a kitten or already in its senior years, you should not wait a few days, but go directly to a clinic. Young kittens or older furry friends dehydrate more quickly and the risk of nutrient deficiency is also increased in them.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Durchfall kommt bei Katzen gar nicht so selten vor. Beobachte deine Miez 1-2 Tage und gehe ggf. zum Tierarzt.
Which Home Remedies Help with Cat Diarrhea?
Unlike with dogs, there are not many home remedies for our cats regarding diarrhea that you can use without veterinary advice. To soothe the gastrointestinal tract, you can give your kitty special diet food for 24 hours. This consists of steamed chicken and unseasoned, well-cooked rice. Always give her only small amounts and several portions throughout the day.
You should only give your cat other home remedies or medications after consulting a veterinarian! Because for further treatment, it is important to know the exact cause. If your cat does not feel better after 24 hours of diet food, a visit to the veterinarian is unavoidable.
Our →VET Stomach & Intestinal Fit with Chicken and Rice is delicious and healthy diet food for a sensitive and troubled digestive tract of your cat. Additionally, valuable fibers from carrot and psyllium husks support intestinal function.
Treatment Methods for Diarrhea
In the clinic, the veterinarians will examine your cat to find out where the diarrhea is coming from and which treatment method can help. Common measures to help your cat with mild diarrhea include administering medications for nausea, pain, and/or stomach protection, administering an infusion with important electrolytes, salts, and minerals, as well as diet food. If the diarrhea is caused by a parasite infestation or virus, medications for the underlying condition and possibly antibiotics will also be added.
Diarrhea caused by improper diet, allergies, or intolerances requires a dietary change. Usually, the treating veterinarian will advise you on this.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Das passende Futter ist das A und O. Durchfall kann ein erstes Anzeichen für eine Fehlernährung sein.
We at Pets Deli know how difficult it can sometimes be to find the right food for your indoor tiger. Not only are cats real gourmets, but allergies, intolerances, and digestive issues should also be addressed with the food. At Pets Deli, you have a wide selection of high-quality meat varieties, tempting textures, and important nutrients. How about our →Sensitive Pure Meat Wet Food with Kangaroo and Catnip for particularly good tolerance?
Extra viel Fleisch, frei von Getreide & Zucker sowie für Allergiker geeignet
Causes: Where Does Your Cat Get Diarrhea From?
- Eating something wrong
If your cat has diarrhea but otherwise seems fit and healthy, there is initially no reason to worry. Perhaps your kitty ate or licked something that upsets her stomach. Vomiting is also completely normal behavior in this case. It is a form of self-help for your cat to quickly expel the →intolerable substances.
- Stress
Temporary stress, for example from a move or a lot of visitors, can also cause acute diarrhea. In this case, observe your cat, reduce the stressors, and see if the symptoms subside after 1-2 days. If your cat tends to get stressed quickly, aromatherapy could be helpful for you.
- Improper diet
However, feeding mistakes or food intolerances or allergies are often a cause of diarrhea. Frequently changing food or too many treats can upset your kitty's stomach. If you are unsure what a →healthy cat diet looks like, feel free to →get free advice from our experts.
- Parasite infestation or virus
If your cat is still not feeling better after 2 days, a parasite infestation or virus may be behind it. →Giardia or roundworms and tapeworms are common parasites in cats. Viral infections such as Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) or Feline Panleukopenia (Parvovirus) are also possible. Then it is important not to wait any longer and to go to the veterinarian to find out the exact cause.
- Infection or tumor-related causes
Even though one does not wish for it, something more serious like a severe infection, e.g., pancreatitis or thyroid disease, can lead to severe diarrhea. Tumors in the intestine or in other body regions can also cause diarrhea and should be medically treated as soon as possible.
- Severe constipation
If your cat is having difficulty defecating, it may be due to severe →constipation, e.g., due to a foreign body. A change in position within the intestine (kinks or intussusceptions) can also manifest as diarrhea in cats.
- Chronic bowel disease
Just like us humans, our four-legged friends are not immune to chronic inflammatory bowel disease. This is an autoimmune disease. Other signs include fatigue and dull, rough fur.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Bist du dir unsicher, gehe direkt mit deiner Katze zum Tierarzt bzw. zur Tierärztin und lass sie untersuchen.
Preventing Diarrhea in Your Cat
No one can guarantee that your kitty will be spared from diarrhea for a lifetime. But with a healthy and balanced diet, you lay the foundation for a long and fit cat life! Therefore, pay attention to what goes into your indoor tiger's bowl and choose →digestive-friendly cat food that is specifically tailored for sensitive stomachs. Also, only feed →species-appropriate snacks in between. In addition to the right food, a good mix of exercise and rest is also important for your cat's health.
