Diarrhea in a cat – how and what to treat at home?

Diarrhea in cats is a relatively rare occurrence and a sign that your cat is not in good health. Although, why would it be? After all, everyone knows about the aristocratic origins and rather fastidious nature of these beautiful creatures. But if your cat's stool suddenly changes, monitor its diet.

Stale food or food intolerances can cause a lot of trouble for you and your four-legged friend. A follow-up visit to the vet won't hurt. In some cases, diarrhea is a serious sign, and if left untreated, dehydration can occur. Let's look at the causes of diarrhea in cats.

Common Causes of Diarrhea in Cats

One of the most common causes of diarrhea is food-related. It's fairly easy to identify; if there's been a change in diet, it's a completely understandable reaction. Food waste, which complicate the digestion process Cat food, canned cat food, or simply picking up something nasty on the street can cause diarrhea. Kittens accustomed to their mother's milk may experience diarrhea when transitioning to a normal diet. Try to avoid various types of sausage and other unhealthy foods in your cat's diet, as these can also cause diarrhea.

If, instead of solid feces, you notice mushy or watery discharge in your cat's litter box, or if your cat has started going to the bathroom more frequently, try to determine the cause of this sudden change in stool. If you enjoy long-distance travel, keep in mind that Not all long-eared animals tolerate them well.Stress can also cause digestive problems, as you can see, and our pets are no strangers to them. These are fairly common causes, and there's no need to worry too much if they happen. But what if it's a symptom? Let's try to figure out when diarrhea can be diagnosed as a medical condition.

1. The presence of worms (transmitted through mother's milk, causing intestinal inflammation, which in turn leads to diarrhea).
2. Disorders of the liver, biliary system and pancreas.
3. Dysbacteriosis.
4. Various infections (calicivirus, toxoplasmosis).
5. Allergic reaction (medications that cause allergies).
6. Side effects of medications.
7. Cancer diseases.

Fortunately, with timely and accurate diagnosis, treating diarrhea in kittens and adults is straightforward. This can also be done at home. Together, we'll explore... How to act correctly in such a situationSo, don't worry, your kitten will still be running around. Yes, some causes and symptoms are quite serious and difficult to treat, and if the recommendations below don't help, you should consult a specialist.

Diagnosing the type of diarrhea

Diarrhea comes in different forms. Just like the color of the discharge, it can indicate different causes. Let's take a look:

• mucous diarrhea (caused by worms, or is a consequence of their removal from the body; in this case, special attention should be paid to a pregnant cat, otherwise there is a risk of transmitting the disease to kittens);
• diarrhea from drinking milk (one of the most common);
• bloody diarrhea (a sign of illness);
• yellow or orange diarrhea of ​​a rich color (indicates that the cat has problems with digestion or the liver);
• white diarrhea (not a good sign, you should check for bile in the intestines; if there is none, consult a doctor);
• diarrhea due to taking medications (allergic reactions to certain types of drugs);
• watery discharge (indicates the presence of fluid in the intestines, while there is most likely no damage to the mucous membrane);
• diarrhea accompanied by vomiting (if symptoms persist for a long period of time, you should visit a clinic);
• Frequent bowel movements indicate a disorder of the rectum;
• green color of feces (indicates poisoning from stale food and indicates the presence of a putrefactive process in the intestines).

Diarrhea can occur in both adults and kittens. But don't worry, the treatment options are the same. If necessary, an experienced veterinarian can help you understand the situation and explain all the nuances and specifics of treating your kitten.

Despite everything, any reaction of the cat's body can indicate various diseases, which is why each case requires a different approach to treatmentLet's try to understand the treatment methods for each of the above-mentioned episodes.

When do you need help from a specialist?

Of course, you shouldn't neglect professional help. But if there are no more cases of diarrhea, your cat is returning to its normal diet, and you're not concerned about its health. limit yourself to light treatment with herbs and activated charcoalIf your cat's condition worsens, diarrhea becomes more frequent, refuses food and water, is frequently vomiting, or has blood in its stool, consult a specialist immediately! These symptoms may indicate underlying medical conditions. If appropriate measures are not taken promptly, the consequences can be dire.

Treatment with drugs

Vetom for cats should be included in the list of first aid medications for adult cats and kittens with diarrhea. Other medications that can be used include Smecta, Bactisubtil, Enterosgel, and Bifidum. Don't mix them, let's keep them separate.Smecta should be used with caution, as not all kittens tolerate it well. Bactisubtil, however, is better (1/4 capsule diluted in water, twice daily). However, if you have no other choice, buy children's Smecta; it's used 1/4 packet twice daily. Enterosgel is one of the most effective of the medications listed; it promotes the elimination of toxins from the body.

In addition to all other medications, kittens should be given a probiotic. The most common are "Bifidum" (5 doses per bottle, give one daily) or "Bifidumbacterin." Activated charcoal, administered orally with a needleless syringe, will collect unwanted bacteria. St. John's wort and chamomile infusions are healing and have an astringent effect.

If worms are present, use special medications. Itraconazole can help with fungal infections, but it is not recommended for use during pregnancy. If the kitten's diarrhea continues Consult a specialist within two to three days. They will conduct the necessary tests, identify the cause, and prescribe treatment. It is not recommended to jump to conclusions or self-medicate for severe cases of the disease!

Treatment at home

Since you don't always have the time, opportunity, or finances to visit a clinic, you can carry out some treatment measures yourself at home. diarrhea in kittens or adult animals is not accompanied by fever, refusal to eat or lethargy, then:

• Limit your cat's intake of dairy products;
• provide the cat with the required amount of water (preferably boiled);
• try to exclude food for 24 hours (no need to worry, this will only benefit the cat);
• exclude cat canned food and feed (it is better to give boiled rice and boiled meat, in some cases - meat puree);
• If the condition has returned to normal, you can switch to the normal mode.

Preventive measures

By following simple rules, you can completely avoid the unpleasantness of diarrhea in your cat:

• Check your cat for worms regularly;
• Try to vaccinate your cats on time and regularly;
• Monitor the quality of the food you buy and your cat's reaction to it;
• keep the cat's litter box, bowl and toilet clean at all times;
• carry out regular disinfection;
• If possible, try to limit your cat's contact with stray cats.

Keep an eye on your cats' health and avoid tiring trips. do not create stressful conditions, and let them breathe fresh air. Give them vitamins and brush their fur as needed. Believe me, your furry four-legged friends will appreciate it, and you won't have to treat them.