Should You Starve a Cat with Diarrhea? A Guide
Section 1: Should You Starve Your Cat When It Has Diarrhea?
Some cat owners might think that when their feline friend is suffering from diarrhea, it's best to give the digestive system a break by fasting. This approach is believed to allow the intestines to rest and heal. However, it's not necessary to completely starve a cat with diarrhea. Fasting should only be considered if the cat is also vomiting. In such cases, if even drinking water causes vomiting, a complete fast of food and water is advisable.
When a cat is simply experiencing diarrhea, the owner should provide it with easily digestible, mild meals. This ensures that the cat receives essential nutrients without overburdening the gastrointestinal system.
Section 2: What Should You Feed Your Cat When It Has Diarrhea?
When a cat has diarrhea, it can be fed small, frequent meals of easily digestible foods. These might include softened cat food soaked in warm water, fish, or chicken breast. Opt for highfiber options like lean meats, pumpkin, and potatoes, which can help absorb moisture from the stool, increasing its volume and aiding in the formation of solid feces.
During this time, it's crucial to monitor the cat's bowel movements closely. If the cat's stool gradually returns to normal, the owner can then gradually reintroduce a regular diet.
Section 3: What Medication Should You Give Your Cat for Diarrhea?
For cats with diarrhea, you can mix a small amount of pet probiotics into their food or water. Probiotics can help balance the gut microbiome, strengthen the cat's intestinal immunity, and improve the symptoms of diarrhea.
In cases of severe diarrhea, it's advisable to combine probiotics with pet antidiarrheal and antiinflammatory medications. You can purchase antidiarrheal medications at a pet clinic or keep some common medications at home, such as the bismuth subgallate tablets by Pu'An or the amoxicillin powder by WeiPuDa.
If a cat frequently experiences diarrhea, it's best to take it to a veterinarian for a fecal examination. Chronic enteritis, internal parasites, or other underlying conditions could be to blame. Once the cause is identified, a targeted treatment plan can be developed to thoroughly address and prevent future episodes of diarrhea in your cat.
