Cat diarrhea? Don’t fret! Here are 5 effective solutions to restore your feline friend’s digestive harmony
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Cat owners understand the concern and discomfort when their feline companions experience diarrhea. From dietary adjustments to medications, several treatments can be considered to help restore your cat’s digestive health. Keep reading to learn the effective treatment approaches to manage and alleviate cat diarrhea.
Adjust Your Cat’s Diet
- When addressing cat diarrhea, it’s crucial not to stop feeding. Doing so can delay the natural healing of the intestinal tract and potentially lead to a severe liver condition called hepatic lipidosis. Instead, focus on simplifying your cat’s diet. Eliminate treats and table scraps, and provide nutritionally complete cat food daily. If you recently changed your cat’s diet and diarrhea persists, switch to the previous diet to see if symptoms improve.
Chronic adverse reactions to food can emerge anytime, whether a cat has been on the same diet for years or recently transitioned to something new. Cats with food intolerances or allergies may find relief with a hypoallergenic or low-antigen diet. While the best low-antigen foods are typically available through veterinarians, some over-the-counter options, particularly those made from novel protein sources like duck or rabbit, can be effective for certain cats.
Opt For Anti-Diarrheal Drugs
- While certain options pose risks, kaolin-pectin medications are generally considered safe for feline use. Typical dosing instructions range from 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds of body weight every four to six hours. However, many anti-diarrheal medications can harm your feline without proper veterinary guidance.
Exercise caution when considering anti-diarrheal medications for your cat. It’s crucial to note that some products that previously included kaolin-pectin in the United States now feature alternative ingredients, so it is essential to consult a veterinarian.
Support Gut Health with Probiotics
- Maintaining a balanced and healthy population of bacteria in your cat’s intestinal tract is vital for normal digestion. When this balance is disrupted, such as after stress, illness, or antibiotic therapy, cat diarrhea may persist even after the initial cause has been addressed.
Probiotic supplements can restore a normal bacterial population in the cat’s intestines. Opt for a probiotic specifically labeled for use in cats and produced by a reputable company to ensure the well-being of your feline companion.
Promote Hydration and Electrolyte Balance
- For cats experiencing diarrhea, adequate water intake is crucial to prevent dehydration. Ensure your cat has constant access to fresh, clean water by regularly refilling their water bowls. Boost their hydration further by introducing a diluted chicken or beef broth.
Switching from dry kibble to a canned diet can also increase water consumption. Additionally, consider temporarily adding a tablespoon of warm water to your cat’s canned food to encourage sufficient fluid intake.
Switch To Low-Fiber Diet
The role of fiber in managing cat diarrhea can vary based on the specific type of condition. For cats experiencing infrequent but voluminous stool during bouts of diarrhea, a low-fiber (highly digestible) diet might be beneficial. Look for foods labeled as highly digestible or suitable for cats with sensitive stomachs, typically featuring a crude fiber level of around 3 percent in their guaranteed analyses.
Conversely, certain types of cat diarrhea respond well to fiber supplementation, especially in cases where cats eliminate frequently but produce only small amounts of feces. Unflavored psyllium and canned pumpkin are readily available fiber supplements. While there are no strict guidelines for dosing psyllium or pumpkin in cats, starting with 1-2 teaspoons mixed into your cat’s food throughout the day is a reasonable initial approach.
Prompt response is the key to saving your pet’s life. In case of emergency, contact Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center. We provide you with the best urgent care services that keep your pets healthy and happy, especially in the case of an emergency. We offer our veterinary services in the city of Charlottesville, VA. Contact us at (434) 971-9800 to book an appointment.
