Causes and Treatment of Cat Diarrhea Explained

Understanding the Causes of Diarrhea in Cats:

1. Change in Diet: If a cat, accustomed to a certain brand of cat food, suddenly switches to a new one, it can lead to intestinal discomfort and a disrupted digestive system, resulting in diarrhea.

2. Overfeeding: Young kittens often have a strong appetite, and owners may inadvertently overfeed them, causing indigestion and diarrhea.

3. Parasites: Cats can be infected with various parasites, such as tapeworms, roundworms, coccidia, and giardia, all of which can cause gastrointestinal issues and diarrhea.

4. Viral Infections: Many viruses can infect cats and lead to gastrointestinal problems, causing diarrhea. Common examples include feline distemper, which can result in symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, high fever, depression, and loss of appetite.

5. Enteritis: Some cats may develop enteritis due to poor gastrointestinal development, weak immunity, and bacterial infections, leading to diarrhea.

6. Weakened Spleen and Stomach: According to traditional Chinese medicine, the spleen governs transformation and transportation, which includes digestion and absorption. However, if a cat has an underdeveloped digestive system in its youth or develops diseases later on, it can lead to an imbalance in the spleen and stomach, causing diarrhea.

Treating Diarrhea in Cats:

Diarrhea Treatment Methods:

1. Gradual Diet Change: When switching cat food, do so gradually over a week to allow the cat's digestive system to adjust.

2. Consistent Feeding: Provide a fixed amount of food and avoid overfeeding. Also, refrain from giving young cats hardtodigest treats, especially milk, which cats are often lactose intolerant to and can cause diarrhea.

3. Regular Checkups for Parasites: It's advisable for owners to frequently take their cats to the vet for checks, looking for parasites in the feces, and administering deworming treatments as needed.

4. Viral Infections: Conduct tests to identify the type of virus and treat promptly, especially for feline distemper, which is acute and can be fatal.

5. Medication for Enteritis: Treat enteritis with medication, starting with simple treatments and combining them if necessary.

6. Longterm Chinese Medicine for Spleen and Stomach Imbalance: Cats with spleen and stomach imbalances may require longterm oral Chinese herbal medicine, such as Jianpi Wan, Guipi Wan, and Jianpi Yichang Wan.

Conclusion: Diarrhea in cats is almost always caused by an underlying issue. It's crucial to identify the cause and treat promptly to prevent chronic diarrhea, which can hinder growth and development.

Tip: Click 'What to Do About Cat Diarrhea' for more information on effective solutions to cat diarrhea.