Dealing With Kitten Diarrhea
Growing up, we never had fewer than eight cats, so I am very familiar with all their behaviors, as well as their physical ailments. One of those ailments is diarrhea. Ugh. Even kittens cant make diarrhea cute. Unfortunately, kittens can develop diarrhea for no apparent reason, and it may take detective work by both you and your veterinarian to determine the cause. As a veterinarian for more than 20 years, and chief of staff at Animal House of Chicago, I have treated many cases of diarrhea in kittens, cats in age from birth through 6 months. In my experience, the most common causes are dietary indiscretion , a sudden change in diet and parasites.
Recovery And Management Of Chronic Diarrhea In Cats
Recovery time depends on the primary cause of your cat’s chronic diarrhea. In some cats, general changes in diet and digestive support may improve fecal firmness. Cats with diarrhea caused by specific issues such as intestinal parasites, unregulated diabetes, or thyroid disease can have their diarrhea resolved within weeks of treatment, while others may need lifelong therapy to control their symptoms.
How Often Should I Feed A Kitten With Diarrhea
There is no set answer to this question, as it will depend on the severity of the kittens diarrhea and how much they can eat and drink. If the diarrhea is severe, you may need to feed them smaller, more frequent meals. If they are only mildly affected, you can continue providing them with their regular diet. Offer your kitten food every few hours, and ensure they have access to plenty of fresh water or diluted Pedialyte. Always consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about your kittens health.
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How Often Should I Give My Cat Pumpkin
To give your adult cat the nutrition he requires, feed 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin per day or mix in one teaspoon. However, if you want your cats to eat canned pumpkins, you should first consult with your veterinarian. Pumpkin seeds, pulp, or the stem or skin of the pumpkin should not be fed to your cat.
Treatment For Kitten Diarrhea
The following are some treatment options for your diarrheal cat:
- Instead of a bland diet or gastrointestinal kitten food, your vet may prescribe antibiotics to deal with bacteria, antiparasitic meds if worms are the problem, and schedule an X-ray, biopsy, etc. to diagnose your cat.
- Make sure your kitten is hydrated by giving them rice water. This aids digestion and relieves bloating. You could also use chicken broth or plain water.
- Supplement with probiotics. This will assist your cat in maintaining a healthy immune system. You can give Dr. Bills Pet Nutrition Feline Digestive Support, Pet Naturals of Vermont Daily Probiotics for Cats, or Pet Ultimates Probiotics for Cats a try.
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Can I Give My Cat Pepto Bismol For Diarrhea
No, you should never give your cat Pepto Bismol.
According to PetMD, Pepto Bismol is used in veterinary medicine and as an over-the-counter med for diarrhea, but only in dogs. However, it is not safe to use on cats.
Pepto Bismol contains salicylates which can cause respiratory failure and hyperglycemia in cats.
So, if wondering what can I give my cat for diarrhea, Pepto Bismol is not the answer.
Is Wet Or Dry Food Better For Cats With Diarrhea
In general, wet food is better for cat diarrhea. Wet cat food contains more water than dry food and helps hydrate cats. However, what to feed a cat with diarrhea depends on the cause of your cats diarrhea.
Cat diarrhea and loose stools can be triggered by many causes. Some of the most common causes of diarrhea in cats are dietary changes, dietary indiscretions, food intolerances, food allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease .
Other possible causes of watery stool in cats are bacterial infections , viral infections %20tract%2C%20and%20bone%20marrow.” rel=”nofollow”> panleukopenia), and intestinal parasites . In addition to changing the consistency of the cats stool, these pathogens cause bloody or tarry diarrhea, weight loss, and in severe cases, can be life-threatening.
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Are There Home Remedies For Cats With Chronic Diarrhea
Cats with a chronic disease, senior cats, kittens, and pregnant cats should all be examined by a vet immediately after chronic diarrhea is noted. Also, if your cats diarrhea contains blood and is accompanied by vomiting, weight loss, lethargy, or lack of appetite, take them to a vet as soon as possible.
For those cats that continue to eat well, have a good weight, and have normal energy levels, a few options are available for you to try at home:
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Diet trial using an over-the-counter sensitive stomach food
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Fiber supplement or canned pumpkin
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Feline-specific probiotics
If these options do not help your pet’s stool return to normal in a few days, or if additional symptoms arise, take your cat to your primary care veterinarian as soon as possible.
Never give your cat over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications for humans, like Pepto Bismol and Imodium, without first asking your veterinarian. These medications can have severe side effects in pets if not used properly.
Should I Be Worried If My Kitten Has Diarrhea But Is Acting Fine
No, you should not be immediately worried about your kittens diarrhea, especially if your kitten has diarrhea but acts normal.
Since there are many possible causes of diarrhea,it may take some monitoring over a day or two before you should worry.
Observe your kittens behavior and litter box habits to see if they worsen or if their symptoms go on for an extended period of time. If their diarrhea persists for more than 24-48 hours, it is likely a good idea to see a DVM about causes and treatments.
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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.
What Are The Symptoms Of Diarrhea In Kittens
Same as in adult cats, the symptoms of kitten diarrhea are:
- Soft or Loose Stool. The main sign of diarrhea is soft, loose, or even watery stool. It is also common for the stool to have an unusually unpleasant scent.
- Frequent Bowel Movements. Increased pooping frequency is another sign of cat diarrhea. Sometimes, kittens strain and make no poop, but they will still visit the litter box more often.
- Litter Box Accidents. New kittens can often have accidents outside the litter box. However, in case of diarrhea, those accidents are likely to be more frequent.
- Mucus or Blood in Stool. Depending on the underlying diarrhea cause, the stool may contain mucus or blood. Both cases are concerning and require veterinary attention.
- Loss of Appetite. Young kittens with diarrhea often experience a loss of appetite. The lack of appetite is a general sign that can indicate many potential conditions.
- Nausea/Vomiting. The same trigger that caused kitten diarrhea can often cause nausea and vomiting.
- Abdominal Pain. Diarrhea results in abdominal pain. Kittens having abdominal pain should be taken to a vet for x-rays and other gastrointestinal examinations.
- Dehydration. Losing water via diarrhea causes dehydration. In young kittens, dehydration can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Weight Loss. One of the side effects of diarrhea is weight loss from excess poop production and a loss of appetite.
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When Should I Take My Cat To The Vet For Diarrhea
You should take your cat to the vet for diarrhea if it persists for a couple of days or is accompanied by worrisome signs and symptoms . You should also see the vet if the home remedies do not work.
Cat diarrhea warrants a trip to the vets office if the cats stool is tainted with red, fresh blood or is black and tarry. Blood in a stool is always a reason for concern. Kitten diarrhea is also a red flag and warrants a vet appointment.
However, most cases of diarrhea will go away on their own. This is because diarrhea is often caused by diet changes , dietary indiscretions, food allergies, and food intolerances. In these cases, the bout of diarrhea will likely go away on its own.
Other times, seeing a DVM is vital as diarrhea can be caused by severe or even life-threatening like inflammatory bowel disease , bacterial infections , viral infections , intestinal parasites , colitis, pancreatitis, and kidney or liver disease.
The vet will perform a physical examination and then order additional tests to determine the underlying cause and suggest treatment.
Treatments & How Nutrition Impacts Diarrhea
Treating diarrhea depends on its underlying cause. There are many available treatments for diarrhea that may be recommended by your vet depending on a variety of factors. However, nutrition plays a key role in managing this condition.
Nutrition plays a significant role in a healthy cat stool. Poor nutrition may lead to chronic diarrhea, so an assessment of your cats nutrition will be conducted by your vet. They may recommend switching cat foods as a course of treatment. A lower-fat food or food richer in complex carbohydrates and digestible complex carbohydrates with added fiber may be recommended.
Chronic cases of diarrhea are typically treated with special meal plans alongside medications. In many cases, your veterinarian will recommend nutritional therapy for the rest of the cats life to help maintain proper digestion for conditions that cannot be outright cured. Your vet may recommend a therapeutic cat food that is specially formulated to help with digestion and diarrhea. Many cases of chronic GI disease in cats respond well to a highly digestible food with added prebiotic fibers. This category of GI disease is called food-responsive enteropathy.
In cases where food allergies are a concern, a series of nutritional trials may be necessary to determine the cats ideal meal plan. Hydrolyzed foods or novel protein foods are commonly recommended for these cats.
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Why Does My Kitten Have Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is a symptom of dozens of feline illnesses. We have listed the common reasons behind runny stool:
If you have a skinny kitten with diarrhoea, you should get their stool checked in a lab for a complete digestive health assessment.
Can you jump through hoops for your kitten with runny poo?
Recovery And Management Of Gastritis In Cats
Most cats with acute gastritis will improve on their own with no medical intervention. Other cases of more severe acute gastritis will require medical therapy, with a good prognosis dependent on the underlying cause. Certain blockages or toxins can be fatal if untreated. For example, antifreeze ingestion is deadly if not diagnosed and treated within a few hours of ingestion.
The prognosis for chronic gastritis also depends on the underlying cause. Often, changes to a novel protein diet or hydrolyzed protein diet and probiotic therapy is recommended for the duration of the cats life.
Stress should be kept to a minimum in the household. Sources of stress as well as holistic or medical therapies can be determined by your veterinarian. Frequent vet visits are recommended for cats on immunosuppressive medications, including steroids and chemotherapy. Blood testing and a routine schedule of abdominal imaging may be required.
Acute gastritis can recur if your cat continues to ingest anything inappropriate, so it is important to eliminate those itemssuch as strings, toxins, and plantsand avoid abrupt diet changes. Unfortunately, even in the face of treatment, flare-ups are common in cats with chronic gastritis.
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What Is Gastritis In Cats
Gastritis is defined as inflammation of the stomach lining. Gastritis in cats can be either acute or chronic .
Acute gastritis is typically a presumptive diagnosis, and the underlying cause often goes undiagnosed because symptoms resolve with either minimal treatment, or no treatment. Chronic gastritis signs can vary in frequency and type and are characterized by inflammatory cells determined through a biopsy by a veterinarian.
Gastritis can develop in any breed, age, or sex of cat. Younger cats are more likely to ingest inappropriate items or different foods, so they are more prone to developing acute gastritis.
Acute gastritis often is self-limiting or responds to mild therapy. Chronic gastritis can be very serious or even fatal in some cases.
Lactose Intolerance From Cows Milk
Many new kitten owners think that kittens should drink milk. This is a common cause of diarrhea in kittens as they are unable to digest the lactose in the milk. If you want to give your kitten milk, purchase the cat milk available from most supermarkets.
Treatment:
This should resolve once the kitten is no longer allowed cows milk. If you do want to give your kitten milk, stick lactose-free milk for cats available in supermarkets and pet stores.
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How Much Canned Pumpkin Should I Give My Cat For Diarrhea
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the severity of your cats diarrhea. If your cat has mild diarrhea, you may give them a small amount of canned pumpkin . If your cat has severe diarrhea, you may give them a larger amount of canned pumpkin .
It contains a lot of potassium, vitamin A, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, which helps to relieve constipation and diarrhea. The fiber in pumpkin serves as an absorbent for excess moisture in cats digestive systems. The pumpkin patch is ready for harvest in Weruva. Pumpkin pouches are high in omega fatty acids because they contain pumpkin, coconut oil, and flaxseed. Amazon customer ratings for Pumpkin for cat diarrhea supplement give it a 4.5 out of 5 star rating. As a digestive supplement, this product is ideal for both horses and dogs. The Fresh Pumpkin SuperBlend Formula contains real nutrients and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
veterinarians worked diligently to develop the formula in order for your pet to receive the highest level of quality and safety. This powder pumpkin formula is ideal for pets suffering from diarrhea because of its soluble fiber content. This food is ideal for dogs and cats with food sensitivities who are unable to tolerate foods with a high amount of ingredients. For cat diarrhea, pumpkin should be given twice daily at least once.
How To Help Your Cats Diarrhea With Canned Pumpkin
Cans of pumpkin can help in the prevention of diarrhea in cats. If your cat is experiencing diarrhea, give her 1 tablespoon of canned pumpkin per day. A pumpkin high in potassium and phosphorous, as well as fiber, helps to move ingested fur through the digestive tract, and it contains a high concentration of fiber.
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What Is The Treatment For Kittens Who Have Diarrhea
There are several over-the-counter options for treating kitten diarrhea.
Vet Classics Pet-A-Lyte Oral Electrolyte Solution. This is a simple and affordable liquid solution designed to rehydrate young kittens, adult cats, and dogs that are experiencing fluid loss due to gastrointestinal illnesses.
This supplement was developed by a team of vets to offer a home remedy-style treatment backed by science. Store for up to 30 days in the fridge to combat chronic diarrhea. This safe solution can be added to a kittens diet daily until they have healed from their illness.
Vet Worthy Anti-Diarrhea for Cats. This effective liquid treatment helps provide relief for upset stomachs. Formulated by a vet team, this tasty formula provides relief for kitten diarrhea, stomach cramping, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
The supplement is very easy to give using an oral syringe. As an alternative, it can also be mixed with cat food.
Purina FortiFlora Cat Probiotic Powder Supplement. This supplement is perfect for cats of all ages. It can be used with cat food. For cats and young kittens with chronic diarrhea, this probiotic mix can provide quick and much-needed relief.
Not only does it resolve gastrointestinal issues, but it can also improve the general health of a cats intestine. This flavorful formula is approved by vets and is ideal for lasting immune system support.
Can I Mix Pumpkin In My Cats Food
Most cats dont like meaty foods, so pumpkin may not be their first choice for a snack. If this happens to you as well, it is very simple for your cat to consume pumpkin puree right away in his or her food . Once pumpkin has been added to their food, cats typically do not mind eating it.
It can be easily incorporated into your cats diet to help with a variety of health issues. One of the primary benefits of pumpkin is its naturally high fiber content. If you notice your cat has constipation or diarrhea, there may be times when he or she behaves in an out-of-the-box manner. Cats will eat pumpkin mixed in with their wet food as well as pumpkin alone. The pumpkin can be added to your cats diet on a regular basis for a limited time. If your cat is still having diarrhea or constipation after eating pumpkin, he or she should see a veterinarian.
Pumpkin is a great addition to a cats diet because it is high in fiber and low in fat. Despite its fiber, vitamins, and minerals, pumpkin will not upset a cats digestive system.
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