Emergency Care for a Kitten with Acute Gastroenteritis

Section 1: Causes of Feline Gastroenteritis

1. The Delicate Digestive System of Cats

Compared to adult cats, kittens are more susceptible to gastroenteritis due to their underdeveloped digestive systems. If pet owners are not careful with the amount of food they feed their kittens, and fail to regulate their diet properly, the kittens, being opportunistic eaters, may consume more than they should, leading to an easy onset of gastroenteritis.

2. Lactose Intolerance in Kittens

It's not uncommon for kittens to suffer from lactose intolerance. Since they lack the lactase enzyme, they cannot digest the lactose in milk, which can lead to symptoms like soft stools or diarrhea within a few hours of drinking it. In severe cases, it can even be fatal. It's advisable for pet owners to opt for puppy milk replacer to feed kittens, reducing the incidence of lactose intolerance.

3. Ingesting Spoiled Food

During the summer, food tends to spoil quickly. If owners leave a large amount of food for their cats when they are away for extended periods, the food can spoil, leading to the kittens accidentally consuming it. Therefore, one of the main reasons cats get gastroenteritis in summer is due to the ingestion of spoiled food. Owners must be cautious with feeding during these times.

4. Improper Diet

For instance, if owners suddenly switch to a different type of cat food without gradually reducing the amount of the old food, or if the cat is extremely hungry and eats too quickly, the food may not be properly digested, leading to gastroenteritis.

5. Food Poisoning

Cat food poisoning should not be taken lightly. Owners need to be vigilant about what their cats might ingest, such as household disinfectants, cosmetics, or medications, or if the environment is dirty and causes the cat to have a stress response.

Section 2: Treatment Methods for Feline Gastroenteritis

1. Temporary Fasting for the Cat

In the early stages of gastroenteritis, it's essential to let the cat fast from food and water for 24 hours to prevent further irritation of the digestive system. This period of fasting allows the kitten's digestive system to rest and gradually repair the gastrointestinal mucosa. Eating can actually hinder the normal digestion of food, leading to further damage to the digestive tract.

2. Administering Antimicrobial Medications

Since 99% of intestinal infections in cats are caused by bacteria, medications like sulfaguanidine and gentamicin can be used to help cats fight gastroenteritis. These drugs effectively alleviate symptoms associated with the condition.

4. Balancing the Cat's Gut

Beyond medication, feeding the cat probiotics can help regulate the gut flora, aiding in digestion, nutrient absorption, and boosting the cat's immune system to fight off various diseases.

That concludes Dr. Oxygen's insights into the causes and treatments of acute feline gastroenteritis. We hope this information is helpful to those who are concerned about their cats suffering from this illness!