Effective Solutions for Cat Digestive Issues: Tips & Re
Indigestion in cats is a condition primarily caused by mild inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosal surface, leading to disorders in gastrointestinal motility, digestion, and absorption. If left untreated, it can significantly hinder their growth and development and even prove fatal.
Acute Indigestion: Often triggered by consumption of spoiled or rotten food, such as rodents, fish, and meats. Affected cats may exhibit signs of depression, lethargy, and a lack of energy, often seen lying still or standing motionless, with no desire to move. They may experience severe vomiting, initially vomiting stomach contents, followed by a large amount of mucus. Some cats may experience abdominal pain, with increased intestinal peristalsis and diarrhea of varying degrees, with feces having a foul smell. There may be persistent diarrhea, with relaxed anal sphincters and fecal incontinence. Due to dehydration, the cat's skin may become dry and rough, with a lack of luster, reduced skin elasticity, sunken eyes, dry mouth, and a lack of saliva. The tongue may be coated with a thick, yellow, greasy layer, and the pulse may be rapid and full. In severe cases, the cat may have difficulty standing.
Chronic Indigestion: Often caused by overindulgence in rich foods. Clinical symptoms include lethargy, drooping ears, lowered heads, reduced or absent appetite, and frequent yawning. The abdomen may be slightly distended, and vomiting may occur, with undigested food in the vomit. Diarrhea may contain food residue, with a sour smell. The body temperature is usually normal, with a dry tongue and greasy coating, and a slippery and rapid pulse.
Treatment Methods:
Acute Indigestion: The treatment principle should be to clear heat and dry dampness, and to promote diuresis and stop diarrhea. The modified Ge Gen Qin Lian decoction includes 20g of Ge Gen (kudzu root), 15g of Huang Qin (baicalin), 12g of Huang Lian (coptis), 12g of Che Qian Zi (plantain seed), and 6g of Ban Xia (pinellia). Boil the herbs in water to make about 250ml of liquid, and administer it once daily.
In this formula, Ge Gen not only clears heat and relieves muscle tension but also uplifts the Yang of the spleen and stomach to treat dysentery, serving as the main herb. Huang Qin and Huang Lian, both cool in nature, clear the heat in the gastrointestinal tract. Their bitter taste dries the dampness in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to the relief of exterior and interior symptoms, and the cessation of fever and dysentery. Ban Xia is added to relieve nausea and vomiting. Che Qian Zi clears heat and promotes diuresis. The combination of these herbs works synergistically to clear heat, dry dampness, promote diuresis, and stop diarrhea.
Chronic Indigestion: The treatment principle should be to eliminate food accumulation, promote digestion, regulate Qi, and harmonize the stomach. The "Wu Mu Ji" powder includes 50g of Wu Yao (sassafras), 50g of Mu Xiang (costus), and 45g of Ji Nei Jin (gizzard of chicken). These ingredients are ground into a fine powder, sealed, and administered. For adult cats, the dosage is 6g per day, divided into three doses, and taken for 7 consecutive days.
In this formula, Wu Yao, with its warm nature and pungent flavor, enters the spleen and stomach meridians, and has the function of smoothing Qi and releasing stagnation. Mu Xiang promotes Qi flow, relieves pain, and strengthens the spleen and stomach. Ji Nei Jin eliminates food accumulation and strengthens the spleen and stomach. The combination of these herbs works together to eliminate food accumulation, promote digestion, regulate Qi, and harmonize the stomach.
