What To Do If Your Kitten Has Diarrhea
Its important to speak to a vet as soon as possible if your kitten has diarrhea. Your vet will likely run a test on a fresh stool sample to screen for parasites. Parasites such as giardia and coccidia are very common causes of diarrhea in young kittens. In certain pedigree breeds such as Bengals, a parasite called Tritrichomonas Foetus can be involved.
Your vet will request further information about the health of your kitten, specifically whether she is vaccinated for diseases such as panleukopenia. Although this is uncommon, it causes a high mortality rate. The diarrhea is usually profuse, and the kitten may have other signs of disease.
Other things to consider include a recent change in diet, environment, or addition of treats to encourage good behaviors. These are much more common causes of diarrhea in kittens. The symptoms are mild and usually, your kitten will appear well and happy if these are the cause.
Your vet will be able to determine whether your kitten needs further diagnostics or if some simple remedies can be tried at home.
How Can I Prevent Diarrhea In My Cat
The best way to ensure that your cat does not develop diarrhea is to limit your cats access to garbage or foods other than their regular diet, and try not to switch your cats food around. Instead, try to be consistent and feed your cat one brand of high quality cat food.
Have your kitten properly dewormed and vaccinated, and take your adult cats and fresh fecal samples in to the vet yearly for examination to check for overall wellness and intestinal parasites.
Most cases of diarrhea in cats resolve spontaneously without treatment, however, if your cat is having bowel problems, do not hesitate to contact your local veterinarian she is there to help.
Red Or Bloody Diarrhea In Cats
Bloody diarrhea is always concerning and should be addressed by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Dark red or black discoloration of feces indicates upper GI bleeding and blood digestion.
Bright red coloration within the feces or coating the feces is a sign of lower intestinal tract bleeding.
Mucus-coated feces indicates possible dehydration or parasitic infection.
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Cat Diarrhea: What Causes Cat Diarrhea & How To Treat It
Aly WalanskyDec 22, 2020â7 min read
For the most part, cats are neat creatures who like to keep their litter boxes clean. But sometimes even the most fastidious of cats can clear a room with their upset stomachs. Like many other animals , cats get diarrhea, and it can happen for a variety of reasons. Cat diarrhea can be caused by anything from stress, to something your cat ate or drank, to some sort of virus or illness in their system.
Figuring out why your cat has diarrhea is just as important as treating it, as it will help determine how to treat your cat . So read on to learn what causes cat diarrhea and how to help your cat feel better.
What Causes Diarrhea In Cats
Diarrhea is caused by an osmotic problem, a gastrointestinal motility problem, a permeability problem, or a secretory problem. Osmotic diarrhea occurs when something causes the intestinal tract to absorb too much water into feces. Diarrhea associated with motility problems occurs when the intestines contract too much, or too little.
GI ulcers or leaky gut syndrome, can cause intestinal permeability problems that result in diarrhea. Secretory diarrhea occurs when the gastrointestinal tract is exposed to toxins from bacterial infections. Sometimes, a cat has more than one cause of diarrhea at the same time.
Common causes of diarrhea, all types, can include:
- Dietary indiscretion
- Feeding a new food to your cat
- Ingredient sensitivity
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Intestinal parasites, like coccidia, giardia, or roundworms
- Fungal infections, caused by eating old food that is contaminated by fungal spores
- Drugs or toxins
Diarrhea in cats can either be acute , chronic , or intermittent . Diarrhea is further classified into large bowel or small bowel diarrhea.
Large bowel diarrhea, seen in cats with colitis, involves straining to poop and small amounts of diarrhea that may have mucus or blood. Small bowel diarrhea involves larger amounts of feces, no straining, can be tarry, may cause a cat to lose weight. Both small bowel and large bowel diarrhea may cause loss of appetite.
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Warning Signs For Cat Stress & Anxiety
According to PetMD.com the following 9 signs are indicative of anxiety and/or stress in cats.
- Urinating outside the litter box
This indicates a behavioral problem or potentially something more serious medically. You should take your cat to the vet to get checked out.
- Bowel issues
Your cat has trouble going to the bathroom or has loose and runny stools. This could be stress induced, due to diet or indicates a potential medical issue so you should see your veterinarian.
- Excessive Grooming
Grooming in excess to the point of being raw or bald is a sign somethings wrong and your cat is in distress
Can be an indication of health or behavioral issues
- Isolation
Cats are known to have a more independent and aloof nature however if they are avoiding you, take them to the vet to get checked out. Something is wrong.
- Excessive vocalization
If your cat is vocalizing more than normal, they are probably trying to tell you something and get your attention.
- Increased sleeping
Cats are known to sleep most of the day however as a pet parent, you are used to knowing your cats normal routine. So, if they are acting out of the ordinary, dont dismiss your instincts. Take them to the vet. Cats are often the master of disguising their issues, so best to rule out if anything is wrong and take them to the vet in case.
- Aggression towards other people or other animals
This can be a sign of a sick or stressed cat.
How Is The Cause Of Diarrhea Diagnosed
Cats with unresolved or bloody diarrhea require a complete physical examination, an oral history from the owner, and laboratory testing of a fecal sample to determine the cause of diarrhea.
The type of tests ordered depend on what cause of diarrhea the vet suspects, and may include a fecal flotation, other fecal tests, and blood and urine analysis. Other tests may include x-rays, abdominal ultrasound, tests for pancreatitis, fecal cultures, and biopsy of the intestines if inflammatory bowel disease or cancer is suspected.
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What Can I Give My Cat For Diarrhea
Home Remedies For Kitten Diarrhea
Home remedy options need to be modified for kittens. Generally, young kittens are fed 3-4 times per day and/or graze on kibble throughout the day. You could skip one meal or withdraw the kibble for a maximum of 5 hours to rest the digestive system. A 24-hour fast is too long for a kitten and should never be attempted. Reintroducing bland food is a good idea: 1 tablespoon of chicken/rice mixture can be offered approximately every 2-3 hours.
Kittens recover quickly but can also deteriorate quickly. Keep a close eye on their energy levels and appetite. Never hesitate to contact your vet again if you have concerns about your pets recovery.
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Other Causes Of Diarrhea In Cats
Diarrhea may be caused by certain types of metabolic disease and liver disease. Certain cats can be prone to Inflammatory Bowel Disease . These diseases are likely to produce ongoing signs and not respond to the usual therapies, so diarrhea that doesnt resolve within a reasonable timeframe should always be investigated further by your vet.
Cat Diarrheathe Causes Symptoms And Treatment
Cat diarrhea can be caused by a simple upset stomach which resolves itself in a few days and is nothing to worry about. However it could be caused by many other intestinal or digestive issues and knowing the difference between a simple upset stomach or a serious illness may not be easy but is a important decision for your cats health.
When you cat has diarrhea it is not only unpleasant for your cat but also for you. It’s messy, smelly and cause real problems around the home.
This page will help you to understand more about the possible symptoms and causes of diarrhea in your cat and also how to treat your cat for diarrhea.
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Home Remedies For Your Cats Diarrhea
If your vet suspects that your cats diarrhea isnt any more serious than a case of dietary indiscretion or isolated food intolerance then they may suggest remedies available at home, particularly if youre unable to schedule an appointment or visit the clinic that day.
1. Withhold Food for 24 Hours
Home remedies for diarrhea often start with a food fast – skipping one meal is recommended, with a maximum of 12 hours between meals. This gives the digestive system a break and time to heal. But you should always provide easy access to fresh water. Your pet will likely need to drink more than usual. Please note, this recommendation is NOT appropriate for small kittens. Do not withhold food from your kitten if she has diarrhea.
2. Offer Bland Food
After the fast, reintroduce bland food in small quantities. Homemade examples of bland food are boiled white rice mixed with equal amounts of white meat such as chicken or fish. The meat should be baked, steamed, or microwaved, with no added fat. Offer each meal in small quantities . This can be offered every 3-4 hours.
Proprietary brands of hypoallergenic food for digestive upsets exist for this purpose and are superior to homemade food due to a precise and tailored mix of nutrients. Some of these foods also include a pre/probiotic. The author always keeps a few cans of this in the pantry in case diarrhea strikes!
For more feeding instructions and recipes, follow this link!
3. Probiotics
4. Electrolyte Solutions
Gastrointestinal Issues In Cats
Thankfully diarrhea is not a very serious concern when it comes to cat health. But it is critical that you catch the signs and learn the whys so that you can treat your pet when necessary, and have a vet take a look also.
There are many reasons why diarrhea affects Persian cats. This could be due to viruses of the intestine or stomach, a bacterial infection, a fungal infection, or even a weakened immune system, such as in senior cats.
Other parasites like hookworm, giardia, roundworm may be the cause. Cats that get into and eat yucky foods found in the garbage or even a change in diet may be the cause. Food intolerance and food allergy may also be the culprit.
Other times it could be hyperthyroidism, digestive tract cancer, or colitis. Even certain medicines for cats can cause this disease.
Its important to look carefully at what your Persian has been doing to understand why she has it.
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Should I Take My Cat To The Vet For Diarrhea
Cats are no strangers to upset stomachs and diarrhea. They love to eat things they shouldnt like plants and plastic, get hairballs, and overeat if given the opportunity.
Occasional cat diarrhea should not cause panic, but several circumstances warrant calling the vet and scheduling an appointment. Prolonged diarrhea in your cat lasting for more than 24 to 48 hours, regardless of age, can be dangerous to your cats health. Additionally, cat diarrhea that appears dark and bloody are signs of a more serious internal problem such as bleeding or parasites.
If youre unsure that you should make an appointment, call the vet anyway. Its always better to be on the safe side. The veterinarian or their assistant will listen to your cats symptoms and tell you whether or not you should make an appointment or visit an emergency vet.
What Home Remedy Can I Give My Cat For Diarrhea
Most cats with acute diarrhea usually only have one episode of diarrhea, are fine afterwards and require no treatment. Cats with mild diarrhea may be managed with only feeding a fat-restricted, easily digested food like homecooked chicken and rice. You can also give your can probiotics that can be purchase over the counter. If this doesn’t work or if your cat is sick, then contact your local veterinarian.
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When To See A Veterinarian
In an adult cat, a loose stool from time to time isnt cause for concern. And if your cat is otherwise behaving normally and seems to feel fine, its reasonable to wait a day or two to see if the diarrhea will resolve on its own.
But if your cats diarrhea lasts longer than two days or is accompanied by additional clinical signssuch as vomiting, poor appetite, or lethargyit could indicate a serious health issue. And if you think your cat might have ingested something poisonous or swallowed a foreign object, you should see your veterinarian immediately.
Your veterinarian may use a number of diagnostic approaches in investigating the cause of your cats diarrhea, including a physical exam, fecal parasite test, blood work, urinalysis, and imaging .
Video Answer: How To Handle The Problem Of Doggy Diarrhea
While we tend to blame stress and anxiety for these ulcers, there is also an infectious component to gastric ulcers in humans.
Smoking and alcohol consumption can also play a role in people.
In dogs, the primary culprit is Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs .
4) Stress.
Sudden dog hair loss without any medical causes can be a symptom of Stress.
A move, change in life or even a second dog joining the family can cause your pet to feel more Stress and can lead to hair loss in dogs.
Scratching or paw/tail licking can be soothing for the dog.
Blood in your dog’s urine is one symptom that he or she may have, alongside difficulty urinating or breaking housetraining.
Urine tinged with blood can also indicate more serious diseases in the urinary tract, like cancers.
The most common cancer in dog urinary tracts is transitional cell carcinoma, or TCC.
In some cases, an underlying health condition may flare up when the dog is stressed causing bloody stools in dogs. For instance, when a dog is stressed conditions such as coccidiosis, pancreatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease may raise their ugly heads. How to Care for a Dog’s Stress-Induced Diarrhea
While we tend to blame stress and anxiety for these ulcers, there is also an infectious component to gastric ulcers in humans.
Smoking and alcohol consumption can also play a role in people.
In dogs, the primary culprit is Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs .
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What Causes Diarrhea
People typically associate diarrhea with a stomach bug or food poisoning. However, there are many causes of diarrhea.
Identifying whats causing your cats diarrhea is the first step in figuring out how to stop it.
Understanding the reason for diarrhea will also help pet parents prevent it from happening again.
When To Be Worried
Diarrhea happens when the intestinal tract cannot absorb the normal amount of water from the stool before a bowel movement, which can stem from a number of causes, some of which are listed above.
Prolonged diarrhea causes dehydration. Diarrhea lasting anywhere from 24 to 48 hours should not be a cause for concern unless you have diarrhea in a kitten or elderly cat.
If youre wondering, When should I take my cat to the vet for diarrhea?, the answer depends on a few factors.
Regardless of the time span, if your cats diarrhea accompanies a fever, vomiting, or loss of appetite, you should contact your vet as soon as possible.
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Get To Know Your Cats Poop
To know whether or not your cats diarrhea is the sign of something more serious, its important to set the standard for what should be considered her normal litter box habits.
Normal cat feces is deep brown, moist enough that litter sticks to it, and doesn’t feel too hard or too squishy. The smell, according to cat veterinarians at the American Association of Feline Practitioners , “emits an odor, that while not pleasant, should not drive you from the room.” While each cat is different, typically cats have bowel movements at least every 24 to 36 hours, sometimes twice a day. You know what’s normal and abnormal for your cat as you scoop the litter box at least once a day and see what’s there.
Diarrhea happens when feces moves faster than normal through your cat’s intestines. Water and nutrients aren’t absorbed , so the final result can be a watery mess.
This wet stool may be a pile with soft-serve ice cream consistency or a pool of liquid, or somewhere in between. VCA Hospitals put together a helpful chart that illustrates the different types of cat poop, so you can get a visual understanding of the variations in consistencies. You may also see blood or mucus in your cats stool, and while the details are unappetizing, your cat is counting on you to notice.
When Should I Be Concerned About My Cat’s Diarrhea
Most cats with acute diarrhea usually only have one episode of diarrhea, are fine afterwards and require no treatment. Causes for concern include chronic diarrhea that doesn’t resolve with treatment, bloody diarrhea, worms in stool, weight loss, loss of appetite for more than one day, or if your cat is lethargic or looks dehydrated .
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