Effective Ways to Prevent Feline Gastrointestinal Disor
Generally, feline gastroenteritis refers to acute or chronic inflammation of the cat's stomach, small intestine, and colon mucosa. The most apparent symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rapid weight loss, and a sudden increase in water intake. Gastroenteritis can be categorized into two main types: enteritis and gastritis, with the former primarily affecting the intestines and the latter the stomach. Additionally, gastrointestinal inflammation can be either acute or chronic, and it is essential for pet owners to differentiate between these conditions.
The primary cause of feline gastrointestinal disorders is often overeating or consuming spoiled, indigestible, or刺激性 substances that lead to inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Moreover, if a cat ingests刺激性 drugs or items containing chemicals, it can also trigger gastrointestinal disorders. Inadequate deworming, vaccination, or improper care can lead to infectious diseases and parasitic diseases, which may cause the cat to develop gastrointestinal disorders.
For gastrointestinal disorders primarily caused by gastritis, cats may initially exhibit signs of fatigue, weakness, poor spirits, elevated body temperature, and decreased appetite. They may also vomit, experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, increased water intake, and then start vomiting again. In the later stages, vomiting becomes more frequent, and the vomit may contain blood. When touched, the cat may resist or cry out in pain.
For gastrointestinal disorders primarily caused by enteritis, the main symptoms include diarrhea, loose stools, or difficulty defecating. The feces may contain pus and blood, and have a foul smell. Some cats may feel cold and prefer warm places after developing gastrointestinal disorders.
In the later stages of gastrointestinal disorders, cats may show difficulty moving, a persistent rise in body temperature, constant drooling, and spasms, leading to severe dehydration and, ultimately, failure of the stomach function and death. Therefore, it is crucial for pet owners to provide proper care for their sick cats in daily life.
Diet: For cats in the recovery phase, if they are overeating, it is best to stop feeding them for a day. Instead, provide them with small, easily digestible, and tasty liquid foods, and ensure they have access to plenty of water. During the summer, when food is prone to spoilage, it's important to use canned food and store other food items in the refrigerator, properly categorized. Avoid leaving food out to prevent bacterial growth and contamination, which can worsen the cat's condition.
Environment: During illness, cats may not adhere to their usual routines, such as not using the designated bathroom area. They may choose to go in a corner of the house, and this may happen frequently. The owner should clean these areas promptly and use disinfectant, avoiding any scolding or punishment of the cat.
Treatment: If a cat shows any abnormalities, the owner should take the cat to a veterinary hospital immediately or collect samples of the cat's feces and vomit for diagnosis. For cats with mild conditions, medication can be prescribed. When purchasing medication, consider products like Goudon probiotics, taurine tablets, and fructooligosaccharides, which can effectively inhibit harmful bacteria.
Care: After following the doctor's instructions for feeding, ensure the cat gets plenty of rest and minimizes unnecessary activity. During the illness, maintain warmth by covering the cat with a cotton blanket. Pay extra attention to their diet and hydration, and consider supplementing their energy with glucose or nutritional fluids if needed.
When we adopt pets, it is out of love and the desire for them to be with us for as long as possible. Although pets have a shorter lifespan than humans, we can extend their time with us through proper daily care. Let us cherish our pets and ensure they live their best lives.
