If diarrhea in cat for a long period of time, it will lose a lot of fluid, which means it also loses minerals and salts that are important to your cat’s health. If your cat has diarrhea, it can be a serious problem that requires a visit to the veterinarian to thoroughly examine the animal, determine the extent of the diarrhea, and prescribe the best treatment.
What is diarrhea in cat?
Diarrhea in cat is a term used when your cat has more frequent and more loose or loose stools than normal. This is a common condition that is not a disease itself but a sign or symptom of another disease or problem.
It may be the result of a mild condition such as stress or a change in diet that requires only simple treatment, or it may be the result of a more serious condition such as cancer that requires more complex treatment.
Cats can become dehydrated and have an electrolyte imbalance. This will help you understand why your cat has diarrhea and when it’s more important to see a doctor than to treat your cat at home, knowing why and possible causes.
How to know when to treat diarrhea in cat at home
- The cat is behaving normally.
+normal energy
+normal appetite - No vomiting
- Cats keep all immunizations up to date (e.g. feline panleukopenia)
- Your cat is mature (not very young and not very old).
- There must be no existing health problems such as Addison’s disease, kidney failure, or cancer.
How to know if diarrhea in Cat is a medical emergency
- Suspected cat ingested a toxin or poison
- Cats may lack energy and appear weak.
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Always call your veterinarian if you see blood, even if you have only vomited once.
- Frequent diarrhea, repeated for 2 hours.
- Diarrhea lasts 24-36 hours despite home remedies.
- There is a lot of blood (red) in the stool. Small blood spots are not necessarily an emergency.
- Black and/or tarry stool
- The cat keeps trying to poop and rarely comes out.
Common Causes of Diarrhea in Cat
- 1. Sudden changes in diet
- 2. Indiscreet diet
- 3. Hairball
- 4. Food Intolerance/Food Allergy
- 5. Helminth
- 6. Virus infection
- 7. Prescription Drugs
- 8. Other Causes of Cat Diarrhea
Diarrhea in Cat Management Tips
- 1. Wear gloves and use a good disinfectant to clean trays or other areas.
- 2. Wash your cat’s buttocks if they are dirty. If you don’t have an antibacterial dog or cat shampoo, consider using an antibacterial soap like Dial. If possible, collect a stool sample. Chances are your veterinarian will want to test for common parasites. Be careful if you have other cats or children. Sometimes diarrhea can be caused by an infection that can be passed on to others. Maintain good hygiene and set aside if possible.
How do veterinarians treat diarrhea in cat?
If your cat is seriously ill or dehydrated, you may need to be admitted to the hospital.
- 1. Cats may be given intravenous fluids to manage dehydration and replace lost electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride).
- 2. Blood tests may be done to check the number of red and white blood cells and to evaluate the function of internal organs .
- 3. Other diagnostic tests may be recommended to determine the cause of cat diarrhea. These include x-rays or ultrasounds of the abdomen, stool tests, and tests for conditions such as pancreatitis or panleukopenia.
Treatment for diarrhea and comorbidities is likely to continue after the cat is discharged from the home.
- 1. Perhaps you will be prescribed a mild diet that requires minimal digestion.
- 2. Cats can come home with a prescription for nausea medications, antacids, pain relievers and probiotics to replace their normal gut bacteria.
