Cat Diarrhea Again: Possible Causes and Solutions

Certainly! Here's a revised version of the text with enhanced clarity, precision, and a more engaging, humanized tone:

So, this time, let's aim for a more comprehensive and easytounderstand explanation.

Firstly, let's clarify what diarrhea is?

How does diarrhea occur?

Diarrhea is characterized by loose or unformed stools, an increase in both the frequency and volume of bowel movements. This happens because the passage of stool through the intestines is too fast, leading to reduced absorption of water, nutrients, and electrolytes.

Many cat owners often seek advice here: "My cat is having diarrhea, what should I do?"

Actually, the causes of diarrhea are quite varied, and a veterinarian cannot diagnose a cat's specific condition based on a single statement from the owner. They need to ask questions and make educated guesses!

In broad terms: 1. Acute diarrhea (sudden onset) 2. Chronic diarrhea (lasting several weeks)

How to Determine If Your Cat Has Diarrhea

Noticeable changes in stool consistency, such as soft or watery stools.

Stool residue around the anal area, which can soil the fur.

Increased frequency of bowel movements.

Excessive defecation outside the litter box, with soft or loose stools.

In multicat households, it's crucial to identify which cat is experiencing diarrhea and to isolate them during treatment to prevent unnecessary complications.

What Causes Diarrhea?

Bacterial and viral infections, such as Salmonella, E. coli, and feline enteritis virus, can lead to diarrhea.

Parasites, like Giardia, coccidia, and whipworms, can cause diarrhea, even in cats that never go outside. Regular deworming and avoiding raw food and water can prevent infections.

Improper diet, including sudden changes in food, food allergies (such as intolerance to certain meats), and poor nutritional balance. Cats with poor protein absorption (due to high protein content in cat food and cans) are also at risk.

Stress, as cats can experience stress just like humans. Sudden changes in environment, owner, or lifestyle can trigger stress and its associated symptoms, including diarrhea, constipation, or even urinary retention.

Digestive system diseases, such as intestinal dysbiosis in young cats (which can be managed with probiotics) and constipation in older cats (due to intestinal tumors), are also common causes.

There are many diseases that can cause diarrhea, including vitamin B12 deficiency, longterm antibiotic use, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pancreatitis, gastritis, diabetes, and thyroid dysfunction. Diagnosis of these conditions requires the assistance of a veterinarian.

Annual vaccinations, monthly deworming, avoiding raw food and water, and annual checkups for senior cats are essential preventive measures.

What Should You Do If Your Cat Has Diarrhea?

For severe diarrhea, it's crucial to seek veterinary care promptly to prevent dehydration.

Many cat owners wonder, "If my cat has diarrhea, should I stop feeding them?" Clinical evidence suggests that for gastrointestinal discomfort, brief fasting is not recommended to rest the intestines. Instead, offer easily digestible food in small, frequent meals. However, vomiting cases do require fasting.

For cats with frequent diarrhea and poor digestion, a veterinary examination to confirm their health is the first step before providing appropriate food.

During the recovery period, consider increasing fiber intake to help with both constipation and diarrhea (highfiber food). For sensitive stomachs, lowfat, easily digestible food is recommended. Feeding should be in small, frequent meals and not left out for free feeding.

Water is essential and should be available 24/7. Diarrhea leads to significant water loss, so restricting water can worsen dehydration. Aim to provide your cat with 50ml/kg of water daily, through wet food, canned food, or waterrich treats. Avoid new foods or hardtodigest snacks.

While dealing with severe diarrhea at home is not practical, for mild cases or those within your control, you can try physical treatments like montmorillonite powder, adjusting gut flora with pet probiotics (not human yogurt), and petspecific antidiarrheal medications like bismuth subsalicylate tablets.

Always consult a veterinarian or a professional if you have any doubts.

As previously mentioned, severe diarrhea requires immediate veterinary attention.

What constitutes severe diarrhea?

When in doubt about whether to take your cat to the vet, it might be severe. However, if you're uncertain, it's generally advisable to seek medical attention promptly.

Here are some symptoms to consider:

Loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and curling up.

Lethargy, lack of energy, and weakness.

Fever, blood in the stool.

Difficulties in defecation, straining.

Lack of complete vaccinations or deworming, and persistent diarrhea.

History of illness.

Remember, if you're unsure, it's better to err on the side of caution and consult a veterinarian.