What is cat diarrhea?
To start with, it is worth saying what cat’s diarrhea actually is. When can we be sure that the diagnosis will confirm diarrhea in the cat, and not e.g. changes in stool caused by nutritional or stress factors? First of all, diarrhea in a cat is diagnosed when the animal has a bowel movement with loose, often watery or mucous stools more often than before, usually from 5-6 times a day.
It is worth remembering that cat’s diarrhea is always only a symptom, not a disease in itself. Stopping diarrhea does not cure the animal, but it is helpful to prevent dehydration or improve a cat’s mood.
Diarrhea in a cat can take several forms. A mild form occurs when the cat gives stools in limited quantities, although they are typically diarrheal; in addition, there are no other symptoms such as apathy, reluctance to eat or apathy. The acute form is sudden diarrhea with frequent, abundant bowel movements, in which, for example, blood appears quickly, and the animal clearly loses strength, refuses to eat; this symptom progresses very quickly. In turn, chronic diarrhea lasts longer than a few days, it may not give additional symptoms or give them to moderate intensity.
Cat’s diarrhea – causes
There can be many causes of diarrhea, so it is difficult for the owner himself, without adequate knowledge and diagnostic tools, to assess what causes it. Diarrhea in a cat is especially dangerous when it occurs in acute form and it happens to the outgoing cat; the basic suspicion is then consuming something poisonous. It can be both a poison scattered on purpose, as well as, for example, a plant that is toxic to cats or a chemical substance used for spraying. In the case of poisoning, additional symptoms often occur, e.g. vomiting, blood in stools, neurological symptoms. The cat’s condition deteriorates quickly, which is why intervention by a veterinarian is necessary and should be urgent.
One of the causes of mild diarrhea is … a change in nutrition. Giving a cat other food than before or something that is not poisonous to him, but caused irritation of the digestive system – e.g. cow’s milk – often causes diarrhea.
Sometimes diarrhea is one of the signs of infection. It often occurs with other symptoms, e.g. vomiting, fever. In this case, a visit to the veterinarian is necessary to find out what’s wrong with the cat and to introduce appropriate treatment. Chronic diarrhea as the only symptom of the disease often indicates chronic diseases, especially those related to the intestines, liver or pancreas. Diagnostics are necessary in this case.
The cat has diarrhea – what to do?
To start with, it’s worth just observing the animal. If diarrhea is mild, it is often enough, because it can disappear on its own – especially if it is caused by e.g. a change in karma or temporary indigestion – and in addition, does not cause any side effects in the form of e.g. dehydration. With acute diarrhea, it is worth going to the veterinary office quickly, especially if the animal disappears in the eyes. In turn, chronic diarrhea should be diagnosed if it does not occur, e.g. as a side effect of treatment. In this case, it’s worth mentioning to your veterinarian.
What can we do if the cat has diarrhea and we want to help him with home remedies? Nothing much. If you want to give any diarrhea preparation, it is good to ask about it in the veterinary office in advance to find out, among others for the correct dosage or combination with other drugs in the case of chronic diseases. As part of home methods, it is good to encourage the animal to simply drink water regularly – this will prevent severe dehydration. If the animal has moderate appetite and thirst, we can crush cooked chicken meat in water with the addition of a smooth sauce from a sachet for cats – this should encourage the animal to eat.
Regardless of the circumstances, it is good to plan a visit to the veterinarian. He should routinely examine the animal to see if the case was one-off and what are the causes of diarrhea.
Cat diarrhea – treatment
Cat’s diarrhea is a disease symptom, which is why its treatment is also symptomatic. Usually, preparations limiting the number of stools are used, and in the case of dehydration, also subcutaneous infusions or intravenous drips strengthening the cat’s body.