The process of dealing with cat diarrhea might be stressful to any pet owner. This is a common problem that can occur from many different causes, but you don’t know what to do to help the cat. Diarrhea is often brought on by changes in diet or an underlying health condition, and when it happens, it can quickly turn into a problem.
Fortunately, there are ways at home to control your cat’s diarrhea. This guide will walk you through what you should feed your cat, what to look for, and when you should consult with a vet. If you have the right approach, your cat can recover comfortably.
Continue reading to get helpful tips, remedies, and advice on how to manage your cat’s diarrhea. I’ll give you everything you need to have your feline friend feeling better in no time.
What Should I Feed My Cat With Diarrhea?
In case of diarrhea in your cat, you should find appropriate foods that will help calm the cat’s stomach and help to recover. Here are the best options and foods to avoid:
Best Foods for Cats with Diarrhea
Boiled Chicken and Rice
This simple and easy-to-digest combo is gentle on your cat’s stomach and will occasionally help firm up your cat’s stool.
High-Quality Wet Cat Food
Keeping your cat hydrated and giving them balanced nutrition is important, and wet food is a great option.
Plain Cooked Pumpkin or Oats
These foods are also rich in fiber, and fiber can help keep your cat’s digestive system in line and firm up stools.
Cooked Eggs
A gentle source of protein that is unlikely to disturb your cat’s digestive system.
Avoid These Foods During Diarrhea
Dairy Products
Dairy can irritate the stomachs of many cats and even cause diarrhea to get worse.
Fatty Foods or Heavily Seasoned Meals
It’s common for these to be difficult to digest and may make the diarrhea worse or cause further discomfort.
But feeding your cat foods that are easily digested and easy on the stomach can aid in recovery as well as relieve your cat’s symptoms.
How to Know When You Can Treat Diarrhea at Home
However, there are many times you don’t need to rush to the vet when your cat has diarrhea. In many cases, home treatment may control the diarrhea if the cat hasn’t been badly dehydrated and diarrhea has not lasted more than 24 hours.
It’s all about tracking behavior and giving them the correct care. Freshen up your cat’s water, and ensure their water fountain is clean by following our guide on how to clean a cat water fountain. Don’t give any treats or rich foods that can make it worse.
If your cat’s stool consistency is getting better and it’s still eating a little bit and drinking water, then the worst has probably passed. But if the diarrhea goes on for more than 24 hours or the diarrhea gets worse, this is when you should contact your vet.
Look for symptoms like dehydration, lethargy, or blood in the stool — any of which should be attended to immediately by a veterinarian.
Excessive lethargy can also signal other issues, such as those discussed in our article about why is my cat sleeping so much.. By keeping a close eye on your cat’s situation, you can find out if home care or professional help is needed. Read our guide on why your cat is peeing every where?
How to Know When Diarrhea Is a Medical Emergency
Mild cases of diarrhea can usually be treated at home, but there are some signs that require you to go to the vet right now. If your cat’s diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours, it is a very clear sign that something serious may be occurring.
It’s normal for diarrhea to continue for a short period, but if it persists, it can cause dehydration, weight changes like becoming fat, weight loss, and worse, needing professional help.
If your cat appears to be drinking little or no water, which is opposite to increased thirst in older cats and shows any signs of dehydration, including dry gums, sunken eyes, or reduced skin elasticity like with dandruff, do not leave it unattended, and you should take it to a vet. Lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, and blood or mucus in the stool are also other red flags.
These symptoms can be indicative of underlying health issues such as infections, parasites, or inflammatory bowel disease, all of which must be addressed by a healthcare professional. Early intervention is important to avoid future problems and make sure your cat is healthy.
Helping an Outdoor Cat with Diarrhea
Managing diarrhea in an outdoor cat is a little more challenging, but with the right care, it’s still possible. One of the earliest things you should consider is making sure that they do not get too much outdoor access. This prevents your cat from eating anything that may make the situation worse, such as garbage or something else they may pick up on the outside.
Pro Tips: Make sure that your outdoor cat has an easy way to get to clean water and a quiet, comfortable place to rest. In particular, hydration is very important since diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration. You can also give them easy-to-digest food, such as boiled chicken and rice, to help with their recovery.
It’s always possible to help your outdoor cat recover more effectively by keeping a close eye on them and ensuring they keep hydrated. Don’t be hesitant to take them to the vet if diarrhea persists or if there are other signs, such as a fever or lethargy.
How Long Does Cat Diarrhea Last?
The time it takes for diarrhea to stop varies based on the cause. Appropriate care often resolves mild diarrhea in a few days to a week. If the diarrhea is due to a simple dietary upset or a minor infection, your cat will begin to improve with the right foods and fluids within a few days.
But if your cat’s diarrhea lasts longer than a week or gets worse, then it could mean the suffering of a more serious problem like chronic gastrointestinal problems or Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If these cases occur often, your cat will most likely need a special diet, medication, or other prescriptions that a veterinarian will give you to cure the root cause of the problem.
However, if diarrhea lasts long enough or becomes chronic, a consultation with your vet is crucial to see whether or not further testing and possibly long-term dietary changes need to be carried out for your cat’s health.
Other Things That Can Help With Diarrhea
A cat recovering from diarrhea, therefore, has a variety of helpful remedies and products to help include changes in what your cat eats. These can help restore digestion and prevent dehydration, which is a main concern when dealing with diarrhea.
Probiotics
These beneficial bacteria aid in maintaining your cat’s gastrointestinal health and are beneficial to the balance of the digestive system. A lot of probiotic supplements are particularly created for cats and can be included in cats’ food.
Electrolyte Solutions
If your cat is suffering from diarrhea, they may become dehydrated. Electrolyte solutions will replace minerals lost through fluid. Any electrolyte solution you offer to your pet should be done first with your vet’s consent, whether it is safe or not.
Slippery Elm Bark Drops
This natural remedy is a great soothing treat and will coat the digestive tract, reducing irritation and inflammation. Always check with your vet before trying any new remedy, but it tends to be used as an adjunct to more conventional treatments.
Anti-Diarrheal Medications
Prescribed medications may be needed in some cases of severe diarrhea. Remember, these should only be used under your vet’s supervision to make sure you get the right treatment and dosage.
Caution: Although these additional products and remedies will help your cat recover faster, it must be remembered that they are to be used in conjunction with veterinary advice. However, before trying any new treatments or medicine, always consult your vet.
Characteristics of Small Intestinal Diarrhea
The type of diarrhea that your cat has can tell you what’s causing it and treatment. Larger volumes of stool that may seem more watery define small intestinal diarrhea. It’s usually associated with gastrointestinal problems or some medical problem that involves the intestines.
Some cats with small intestinal diarrhea may even show signs such as weight loss, vomiting, or increased appetite despite the diarrhea. Sometimes diarrhea of this type is linked to things such as food intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or parasites which can affect the small intestines. If your cat is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s time to see a vet for diagnosis and treatment.
With the exception of more dramatic changes in stool volume and consistency, small intestinal diarrhea is typically related to other symptoms that indicate a more serious problem. If the symptoms do not improve or get worse, keep an eye on your cat’s behavior and stool and ask your vet to look.
Characteristics of Large Intestinal Diarrhea
Small intestinal and large intestinal diarrhea are two different things, and knowing the differences can help you figure out what’s going on with your cat. The main feature of this type of diarrhea is that there are frequent, smaller amounts of stool that might be more or less bloody or may contain mucus. Large intestinal diarrhea occurs less often, but the volume of stool is usually less than in small intestinal diarrhea.
Also, cats with large intestinal diarrhea may strain or be uncomfortable passing stool. Sometimes, this can be a result of colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or parasites of the large intestine. If your cat displays some of these signs, then make sure you watch for your cat’s symptoms closely and consult with a veterinarian.
When the cause is known, it can often be treated with dietary changes, medications, or other veterinary interventions. If your cat is having frequent small bowel movements with mucus or blood, don’t hesitate to see your vet for further evaluation and treatment.
Common Symptoms of Diarrhea in Cats
When the cat has diarrhea, it is important to find out the common symptoms of diarrhea so you can track what is happening and know when to visit the professionals.
Signs of Diarrhea
One of the easiest symptoms of diarrhea in cats would be loose or watery stools. There can be a need to visit the litter box frequently. You may notice mucus or blood in the stool in some cases—it could mean something more serious happening.
Other Symptoms to Watch For
Diarrhea in cats is accompanied by excessive sleep or lethargy and loss of appetite, as well as changes in stool. You may notice your cat seems less active, resting more, and not as interested in food. Another critical concern is dehydration, looking for dry gums, sunken eyes, or decreased skin elasticity (gently pinch the skin, and it doesn’t quickly return to normal).
Immediate Actions to Take When Your Cat Has Diarrhea
If your cat is having diarrhea, it is important to act quickly so that your cat will feel better and your cat to not suffer further issues. Some immediate actions to consider when caring for your cat at home are listed below.
Ensure Hydration
First and foremost, you want to make sure you keep your cat hydrated. Dehydration is a common issue when dealing with diarrhea, so it’s important that your cat can always have access to fresh water. You can also provide salt-free chicken broth to encourage them to drink. If your cat refuses to drink, try giving it water with a syringe (without a needle) and gently.
Adjust Their Diet Temporarily
When your cat is ill, you should temporarily adjust your cat’s diet by feeding them bland, easy-to-digest foods. They are gentle on the stomach, and good options are boiled chicken and rice. To prevent dehydration, do not feed dry food. A better alternative is wet food, which can help you hydrate and provide you with essential nutrients.
Avoid Forcing Food
If your cat won’t eat, do not try to feed them. They should only eat when they are ready. Concentrate on keeping them hydrated and feed them a little, often. Contact your veterinarian if your cat’s diarrhea continues or if your cat seems too weak or shies away from eating.
Treatment Options for Diarrhea in Cats
That’s when you should consider more specific treatments for your cat’s diarrhea if it doesn’t improve with home care or lingers. Diagnosing the cause of diarrhea and appropriate treatment is done with the help of veterinary care. Let’s take a look at the most common treatment cats with diarrhea can receive.
Veterinary Diagnosis
Visiting the vet is necessary to diagnose the reason for your cat’s diarrhea. Your vet will have to do a fecal test to look for parasites, bacteria, and other infections causing the problem. Your vet may also recommend bloodwork to rule out systemic health problems or underlying conditions such as liver disease or kidney problems.
Dietary Adjustments
After identifying the cause, your vet may suggest switching your cat to a hypoallergenic or a limited-ingredient food to help manage food intolerance or allergy. In the case of a gastrointestinal issue such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a special diet may be needed to ease inflammation as well as support healthy gut health.
Medications
In some cases, however, dietary changes are not sufficient, and your vet might prescribe medications. These might include anti-diarrhoeal medications to slow down bowel movement or anti-inflammatory medications for conditions such as colitis or IBS. If the diarrhea is very severe and not responsive to other treatments, your vet may also recommend steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs to control gut inflammation.
Natural Remedies
Besides the conventional treatments, some natural remedies, such as Slippery Elm bark drops, may be suggested to soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation. The best thing to do is always consult your vet before you try any natural remedy, as it may or may not be safe for your cat.
Your cat can recover from diarrhea, and like with many GI problems, proper treatment can restore your cat’s health. Following your vet’s instructions carefully and keeping track of your cat’s progress is important.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Diarrhea Episodes
Preventing diarrhea in your cat relies on a healthy lifestyle, what you feed, and where your cat lives. You can help reduce the probability of a future occurrence of diarrhea in your cat if you take proactive steps. Here are some effective preventive measures:
Stick to a Consistent, High-Quality Diet
Preventing digestive issues in your cat depends on feeding her a consistent, high-quality diet. Select a balanced cat food that fulfills their nutritional requirements. Do not abruptly change their diet as that can upset their stomach and cause diarrhea. If you have to switch foods, try to gradually over the course of a week to help your digestive system adjust.
Avoid Table Scraps and Certain Treats
Table scraps or treats that contain grains, cereals, or other ingredients known as allergenic or constipating potential should not be given to cats. Stick with cat treats that are just for cats and make sure they are safe and nutritious. Additionally, treats overfeeding can also cause digestive problems, so always provide a treat in moderation.
Gradual Food Transitions
When a cat needs a change in diet, it should be done gradually. A sudden switch can upset their digestive system, causing them to have an upset stomach or diarrhea. Give their gut time to adjust by mixing new food with their current food over several days, adding more of the new food to their diet over time.
Monitor for Signs of Allergies or Intolerances
For a sensitive stomach, it’s important to watch out for foods that could cause allergic reactions or intolerance. Diarrhea, vomiting, or skin irritation could be a sign that some ingredients in their food are not working for them.
If you suspect that you may have a food allergy or intolerance, consult with your vet. If you take these steps to prevent diarrhea, you can help keep your cat’s digestive system healthy and help minimize the chance of future episodes of diarrhea. Diet, care, and constant monitoring are the key to keeping them in good.
Conclusion
Diarrhea in cats is a stressful situation for pet parents, but if you know how to deal with diarrhea in cats, your pet will soon return very quickly and comfortably. The first step on the way to this effective care is to know the possible causes, whether from dietary issues or underlying health issues. To manage diarrhea at home, you should feed your cat bland, easily digestible foods, make sure they stay hydrated, and keep an eye on symptoms.
Yet proper understanding of when professional veterinary care is necessary is important. You need to seek immediate attention for lethargy or blood in the stool, as well as persistent diarrhea that goes on for more than 48 hours and dehydration. Working with your vet closely will ensure your cat gets a proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you maintain a consistent, high-quality diet and are attentive to your cat’s needs, you can prevent further episodes and ensure a healthy digestive system. With little care, little attention, and on-time action, your cat will be back as playful and happy as they were. Always remember: So if in doubt, consult your vet to verify your cat is healthy and safe.
Want to know more about diarrhea read our guide on what are the causes of diarrhea?
FAQ Section
How to clean cat diarrhea?
To stop cats from tracking litter, Clean up the mess with pet-safe cleaners and disinfectants. First, remove as much as you can, then clean the area well to get rid of germs and smells.
Can I give ORS to my cat?
Check with your vet before giving your cat ORS or any electrolyte drinks. They’ll tell you if it’s safe and how much to give.
Can cat diarrhea go away on its own?
Sometimes, cat diarrhea clears up on its own, especially if it’s due to a small diet change. But if it lasts more than a day or two, call your vet.
What can I give my cat to stop her diarrhea?
You can try feeding your cat plain boiled chicken, rice, or pumpkin. These foods are gentle on their stomach and can help firm up their poop.
Is egg good for cats with diarrhea?
Cooked eggs can be a good option for cats with diarrhea. Just make sure they’re fully cooked and introduce them slowly.