Top Tips to Reduce Cat Diarrhea Risk at Home
How to Prevent Feline Enteritis?
1. Clinical Symptoms
Enteritis in cats, especially in kittens, can be extremely dangerous. The clinical signs of enteritis in cats often include lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea, and a lack of energy. While these symptoms may not necessarily indicate enteritis when they appear singly, they can gradually escalate over time. It's crucial for cat owners to be vigilant and recognize these signs early to prevent the condition from worsening.
2. Consequences of Infection
When all the symptoms of enteritis manifest in a cat, it can significantly threaten the cat's physical and mental wellbeing. Unlike other viruses, the enteritis virus can survive in the environment for up to a year. If a pregnant queen cat contracts enteritis, her offspring may suffer from neurological damage from birth, labeling them as "defective." Even after treatment, the cat may carry the enteritis virus within its body.
3. Preventive Measures
Just like the flu virus, prevention of enteritis requires professional medical guidance.
Vaccination against enteritis Getting vaccinated is the quickest and most reliable method of protection. Having the vaccine in your cat's body is like holding a 90% life insurance policy. However, it's important to note that kittens need to receive the full vaccine as per the vet's instructions, while adult cats require an annual booster shot. This is because the immune protection varies between kittens and adult cats.
Dietary and Health Management When selecting a healthy cat food, pet owners should prioritize suitable, appropriate, and nutritious options. Consider your cat's breed, age, and lifestyle to minimize the risk of infection.