Finding diarrhea in your cat’s litter box, or worse, outside of it, can be a concerning sign for any cat owner. While some cats may only exhibit mild digestive upset, others can present with more severe symptoms. Understanding how to respond effectively can make a significant difference in your cat’s well-being. This guide will walk you through assessing the situation and implementing appropriate at-home treatments, while also highlighting when professional veterinary care is essential.
When to Seek Veterinary Attention
When faced with feline diarrhea, it’s crucial to evaluate the severity of the condition and your cat’s overall health. If your cat’s diarrhea is mild and they are not displaying any other concerning symptoms, you might consider trying some at-home remedies first. However, immediate veterinary consultation is necessary if your cat exhibits any of the following:
- Severe or persistent diarrhea: Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours, or that is profuse and watery.
- Vomiting: Especially if it’s frequent or contains blood.
- Lethargy or weakness: A significant decrease in energy or mobility.
- Loss of appetite: Refusal to eat or drink.
- Blood in stool: Visible blood, whether bright red or dark and tarry.
- Signs of pain: Whining, crying, or hunched posture.
- Fever: An elevated body temperature.
- Dehydration: Signs include sunken eyes, dry gums, and loss of skin elasticity.
- Kitten with diarrhea: Kittens are more vulnerable, and diarrhea can quickly lead to severe dehydration and other complications.
At-Home Treatment Plan for Cat Diarrhea
If your veterinarian has advised home treatment or if symptoms are mild, several strategies can help soothe your cat’s upset stomach.
1. Adjust Your Cat’s Diet
Withholding food is not recommended for cats experiencing diarrhea, as it can impede their intestinal healing and pose a risk of hepatic lipidosis, a serious liver condition. Instead, simplify their diet by eliminating all treats and table scraps. Focus solely on their regular, nutritionally complete cat food.
If you recently changed your cat’s food, consider reverting to their previous diet to see if the diarrhea subsides. An ingredient in the new food might be disagreeing with them. Even if you’re feeding the same brand, a new batch could potentially be contaminated. In cases of chronic food intolerance or allergies, a veterinary-prescribed hypoallergenic or low-antigen diet may be necessary. These diets often feature novel protein sources and are designed to minimize allergic reactions. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant dietary changes.
2. Manage Fiber Intake
For some cats, a low-fiber diet (highly digestible) can alleviate diarrhea, especially if they produce large amounts of stool infrequently. Look for foods marketed as highly digestible or suitable for sensitive stomachs.
Conversely, other types of diarrhea may respond positively to fiber supplementation. Unflavored psyllium or canned pumpkin (or pumpkin powder) can be added to your cat’s food. A starting dose of one to two teaspoons mixed into their meal daily is a reasonable approach.
3. Encourage Hydration and Electrolyte Balance
Ensuring your cat stays adequately hydrated is paramount. Keep fresh, clean water readily available in multiple bowls. You can also offer diluted chicken or beef broth (ensure no onion or garlic) or encourage drinking with a pet water fountain. Switching to a wet canned diet can significantly increase water intake, as wet food has a much higher moisture content than kibble. To further boost hydration, you can mix an extra tablespoon or two of warm water into their wet food.
4. Incorporate Probiotics
A healthy balance of bacteria in the intestinal tract is vital for proper digestion. Probiotic supplements, specifically formulated for cats, can help restore this balance when it has been disrupted by stress, illness, or antibiotic use. Choose products from reputable brands to ensure effectiveness and safety.
5. Consider Anti-Diarrheal Medications (with Caution)
Most over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications can be harmful to cats and should be avoided unless specifically recommended by your veterinarian. However, kaolin-pectin supplements are generally considered safe for feline use and can be helpful in managing diarrhea. Always follow veterinary guidance when considering any medication.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
It is essential to monitor your cat’s condition closely. If at-home remedies do not yield improvement within 48 hours, or if your cat’s symptoms worsen or new ones appear, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Cat Diarrhea Treatment FAQs
Can I give my cat Pepto-Bismol®?
No. Pepto-Bismol® and similar products containing salicylates are not safe for cats. They can lead to serious health issues including stomach irritation, ulcers, bleeding problems, seizures, liver damage, and respiratory failure.
What should I do if my kitten has diarrhea?
Diarrhea in kittens requires prompt attention due to their vulnerability. While probiotics and fiber supplements may offer some support, any kitten experiencing diarrhea for more than 24 hours, or showing other symptoms, should be seen by a veterinarian for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment plan.
Is yogurt beneficial for a cat with diarrhea?
Yogurt is not helpful for cats with diarrhea. It does not contain the specific beneficial bacteria that cats need for digestive support, and the dairy and sugar content can potentially worsen an upset stomach. Opt for veterinary-approved probiotic supplements instead.
