Cats Diarrhea Post-Bathing: Possible Causes Explained
Part 1: Reasons Why Cats May Experience Diarrhea After a Bath
1. Indigestion
It's generally uncommon for a cat to suffer from diarrhea after a bath. However, it's essential to consider the cat's diet before and after the bath. Have they consumed something indigestible, like a new type of food or unboiled milk? Many felines have sensitive digestive systems that can be easily upset by poor diet choices, leading to loose stools.
What to Do: Administer some probiotics to your cat to balance their gut flora. Additionally, ensure their diet is mild and avoid complex foods. Opt for softened kibble soaked in warm water or a bowl of porridge, such as小米粥, to soothe their stomach. This should help alleviate the diarrhea within two days.
2. Stress Response
Cats can be particularly nervous and prone to stress, especially if they have weak immunity. Changes in environment, new food, vaccinations, deworming, or even bathing can cause them to become startled and develop stressrelated diarrhea.
What to Do: Comfort your cat and provide a quiet, comfortable, and secure space. Avoid disturbing them for a while and consider feeding them probiotics to protect their gut. This can help alleviate their stress and reduce diarrhea.
3. Exposure to Cold
Some cats have delicate constitutions. If the bathroom door isn't properly sealed during a bath or if they're not dried off promptly afterward, they can easily catch a chill, which can lead to diarrhea.
What to Do: If possible, use a hairdryer or take your cat to a professional grooming service. If your cat experiences diarrhea after a bath, use an electric blanket or a warm blanket to keep them cozy. While using probiotics to regulate their gut, monitor for signs of a cold. If your cat shows symptoms of a cold, you can give them Panadol's Sinus and Colds tablets to relieve symptoms and prevent the cold from worsening.
Part 2: What to Do If Your Cat's Diarrhea After a Bath Is Severe
If your cat is experiencing frequent diarrhea and is passing watery stools, it's a sign of a more serious issue. Simply taking probiotics may not be enough. It's crucial to take your cat to a veterinarian or a pet clinic as soon as possible, especially if there's no nearby veterinary hospital.
You may need to rule out gastrointestinal issues, internal parasites, or feline enteritis. Unvaccinated cats with diarrhea and vomiting should be checked for infectious diseases.
The vet may perform blood tests, SAA tests, feline distemper virus tests, and fecal exams to determine if there are parasites. After diagnosis, appropriate treatment will be prescribed.
Chronic diarrhea in cats should never be taken lightly, as it can lead to dehydration and hypoglycemia. For fragile kittens with weak immune systems, this can be lifethreatening!
Should you have any further questions about the reasons and solutions for your cat's diarrhea after a bath, don't hesitate to consult an online veterinary expert!
