Discovering diarrhea in your cat’s litter box, or worse, finding evidence outside of it, can be a cause for concern for any cat owner. While some cats may only exhibit mild digestive upset without other noticeable changes in their behavior, others can display a range of additional symptoms. Fortunately, several home remedies can help soothe your feline companion’s upset stomach. This guide will walk you through how to effectively respond when your cat develops diarrhea, including when it’s time to seek professional veterinary care.
When to Seek Veterinary Care for Cat Diarrhea
The decision to consult a veterinarian should be based on the severity of your cat’s diarrhea and their overall health status. If your cat’s diarrhea is mild and they are not showing any other concerning symptoms, you might consider trying at-home treatments first.
However, you should contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat exhibits any of the following signs:
- Vomiting: Persistent or forceful vomiting alongside diarrhea can indicate a more serious underlying issue.
- Lethargy: A significant decrease in energy, reluctance to move, or excessive sleeping can be a sign of severe dehydration or illness.
- Loss of Appetite: If your cat refuses to eat or shows a marked decrease in food intake, it warrants immediate veterinary attention.
- Blood in Stool: The presence of blood, whether bright red or dark and tarry, is a serious symptom that requires prompt medical evaluation.
- Signs of Dehydration: Symptoms like sunken eyes, dry gums, and loss of skin elasticity are critical indicators of dehydration.
- Fever: An elevated body temperature can signal an infection or inflammatory condition.
- Abdominal Pain: If your cat appears to be in pain when their abdomen is touched, or shows signs of discomfort, seek veterinary help.
- Diarrhea Lasting More Than 48 Hours: Persistent diarrhea that doesn’t improve within two days, even with home care, needs professional diagnosis.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Cats with pre-existing health issues, such as kidney disease or diabetes, are more vulnerable and should be monitored closely.
Cat Diarrhea Treatment Plan: At-Home Remedies
If your veterinarian has advised at-home treatment or if your cat’s symptoms are mild, several strategies can help manage diarrhea.
1. Adjust Your Cat’s Diet
It is generally not recommended to withhold food from a cat experiencing diarrhea, as this can impede the digestive tract’s healing process and put them at risk for hepatic lipidosis, a serious liver condition. Instead, focus on simplifying their diet. Eliminate all treats and table scraps, and feed only their regular, nutritionally complete cat food.
If you’ve recently switched your cat’s food, consider reverting to their previous diet to see if the diarrhea resolves. A new ingredient in their current food might be causing the issue. Even if you’re feeding the same brand, a new batch could potentially be contaminated; trying a different lot number might be beneficial.
Chronic adverse food reactions can develop at any time. Cats with food intolerances or allergies often benefit from a hypoallergenic or low-antigen diet. While the most effective low-antigen options are prescription-only and available from veterinarians, some over-the-counter diets can also be helpful. Look for foods formulated with novel protein sources. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant dietary changes to ensure they are appropriate for your cat’s specific health needs.
2. Manage Fiber Intake
For some cats, a low-fiber (highly digestible) diet can alleviate diarrhea, especially if the cat produces large stools infrequently. Foods marketed as “highly digestible” or suitable for cats with sensitive stomachs may be beneficial.
Conversely, other types of diarrhea respond well to increased fiber. This is particularly true for conditions causing frequent, small bowel movements. Unflavored psyllium or canned pumpkin (or pumpkin powder) are common fiber supplements for cats. A good starting point is one to two teaspoons mixed into your cat’s food daily.
3. Encourage Hydration and Electrolyte Intake
Preventing dehydration is crucial for cats with diarrhea. Ensure your cat always has access to fresh, clean water. Consider offering an additional bowl with diluted chicken or beef broth, or introduce a water fountain to encourage increased water consumption.
Switching from dry kibble to wet cat food is another effective way to boost hydration. To avoid further digestive upset, stick to the same brand and flavor as their usual food. You can also temporarily mix an extra tablespoon or two of warm water into their wet food.
4. Consider Probiotics
A healthy balance of bacteria in the feline intestinal tract is vital for proper digestion. If this balance is disrupted, diarrhea may persist even after the initial cause (like stress, illness, or antibiotics) has been addressed. Probiotic supplements specifically formulated for cats and produced by reputable companies can help restore this microbial balance.
5. Anti-Diarrheal Medications
While many over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications can be harmful to cats, kaolin-pectin supplements are generally considered safe for feline use. However, it is always best to consult your veterinarian before administering any medication.
Monitoring Your Cat’s Condition
If home remedies do not show improvement within 48 hours, or if your cat’s condition worsens or new symptoms emerge, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Cat Diarrhea Treatment FAQs
Can I give my cat Pepto-Bismol®?
No, Pepto-Bismol® and Kaopectate® are not safe for cats. They contain salicylates, which can lead to serious health issues including respiratory failure, stomach irritation or ulcers, bleeding problems, seizures, and liver damage. Always consult your veterinarian before giving your cat any over-the-counter medication.
What is the best treatment for diarrhea in kittens?
Diarrhea in kittens can stem from various causes, making treatment highly variable. Probiotics and fiber supplementation may help to firm up stools. However, if a kitten experiences diarrhea for more than 24 hours, or displays any other symptoms, a veterinary examination is essential.
Will yogurt help a cat with diarrhea?
Yogurt is not beneficial for cats experiencing diarrhea. It lacks the specific bacteria that support a cat’s digestive system. Instead, use probiotic supplements designed for felines. Furthermore, the dairy and sugar content in yogurt can exacerbate an upset stomach, as cats are not well-adapted to digesting human foods.
Dr. Jennifer Coates is an accomplished veterinarian, writer, editor, and consultant with years of experience in the fields of veterinary medicine.
