Cats' Diarrhea Causes & Solutions: Quick Guide
Indigestion is a common issue in kittens under six months old, often referred to as "loose stools" when it's a simple case. This condition usually arises from a change in diet. Kittens, with their delicate digestive systems and a lack of many digestive enzymes, are particularly prone to stomach troubles when their food is switched.
In adult cats, occasional dietary changes can lead to temporary soft stools. This is generally not a cause for concern and can often be managed by adjusting their food intake. However, if the stools are extremely loose and frequent, accompanied by a noticeable sound of gas and feces being expelled simultaneously, it may be necessary to use medications like Simeticon, Lactobacillus acidophilus, or Bifidobacterium to aid digestion and improve gut flora. For young kittens experiencing soft stools, it's advisable to discontinue feeding canned food and meats, which are difficult to digest, and to supplement with Lactase tablets, taking them two to three times a day.
Enteritis, characterized by diarrhea, a lack of energy, and a rise in body temperature, can be either bacterial or viral. Bacterial enteritis may present with frequent, large bowel movements without abdominal pain, resulting in watery stools and feces that may contaminate the anal area. In some cases, there may be severe abdominal pain, with the affected cat showing a preference to avoid movement, especially when the back legs are lifted. The stool may be sticky and purulent, with a possibility of blood and fever, and have an unpleasant odor. Viral diarrhea typically involves loose stools with mucus and bubbles, abdominal pain, depression, a lack of activity, mild dehydration, and occasionally rapid breathing. Later stages may show hair standing on end, abdominal distension, and discharge from the mouth and nose. The mortality rate is high. Prompt fluid replacement, fasting, antidiarrheal measures, and antiviral treatment are essential for enteritis.
Parasites can cause normal appetite and appetite in cats, but their stools may be unformed. Medications that aim to regulate intestinal function will not be effective. If intestinal parasites are suspected, targeted deworming treatments should be administered. It's also recommended to deworm both internally and externally on a regular basis, even if the cat is not experiencing diarrhea.
