Cat diarrhea can be concerning for pet owners, but before rushing to the veterinarian, you might consider trying some home treatment options first. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to respond when your cat develops diarrhea, including five effective treatment options.
When to Seek Veterinary Attention
First, assess the severity of your cat's diarrhea and
overall condition to decide if a vet visit is necessary. If your cat has mild
diarrhea, is eating and drinking normally, and doesn't seem too uncomfortable,
home treatment could be appropriate. However, if any of the following
conditions apply to your cat, seek immediate veterinary attention:
- Your cat is very young, very old, or has an underlying health problem that could lead to dehydration complications.
- Your cat is vomiting, lethargic, depressed, in pain, or shows other worrisome symptoms.
- The diarrhea is profuse, watery, explosive, or very frequent.
- Diarrhea contains blood or appears dark and tarry.
- Treatment Options for Cat Diarrhea
If your cat is a suitable candidate for home treatment,
consider the following five options:
Change Your Cat's Food: Don't withhold food from cats with
diarrhea, as it can impede the healing process and lead to potential liver
disease. Instead, simplify your cat's diet by eliminating treats and table
scraps and focus on the nutritionally-complete cat food that your cat is used
to. If you recently changed your cat's diet, consider switching back to the
previous food to see if the diarrhea resolves. Cats with food intolerances or
allergies may benefit from hypoallergenic or low-antigen diets available
through veterinarians.
Fiber: For some types of cat diarrhea, a low-fiber (highly digestible) diet can be beneficial. If your cat produces a lot of stool during infrequent bouts of diarrhea, try a low-fiber diet advertised as suitable for cats with "sensitive stomachs." On the other hand, certain types of diarrhea respond well to fiber supplementation, especially when cats "go" frequently but produce small amounts of feces. Unflavored psyllium (e.g., Metamucil) and canned pumpkin are readily available fiber supplements to consider.
Encourage Water and Electrolyte Intake: Prevent dehydration by ensuring your cat has access to fresh, clean water at all times. You can also try offering diluted chicken or beef broth in an extra water bowl. Consider switching your cat from dry kibble to a canned diet temporarily to increase water intake.
Probiotics: A cat's intestinal tract requires a healthy population of beneficial bacteria for proper digestion. If the bacterial balance is disrupted, diarrhea may persist even after the initial cause has resolved. Probiotic supplements designed for cats can help restore the normal intestinal bacterial population.
Anti-Diarrheal Medications: Exercise caution with anti-diarrheal medications and avoid using them without veterinary supervision. Some medications can be harmful to cats. However, kaolin-pectin medications are generally safe for felines. Follow dosing instructions carefully, typically around 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds of body weight every four to six hours. Be aware that some products may contain ingredients other than kaolin-pectin.
Monitoring Your Cat's Condition
Observe your cat's response to home treatment. If diarrhea
persists or worsens after a few days, or if your cat's overall condition
deteriorates, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian promptly.