Cat Gastroenteritis: How Long Until It Heals Naturally?

Cat gastroenteritis can be categorized into two types: acute gastroenteritis and chronic gastroenteritis.

Chronic gastroenteritis is characterized by a lack of appetite in cats, where oncecherished treats or foods become unappealing. Cats may also show signs of poor spirits, varying sleep patterns, and a constant desire to rest. This condition is often due to longterm poor dietary habits, which gradually weaken the gastrointestinal function, leading to symptoms such as loss of appetite. Chronic gastroenteritis can often be resolved through a period of 12 months of scientific dietary adjustments.

Acute gastroenteritis, when symptoms are mild, may be selfhealing with proper care, provided it is detected early. Generally, acute gastroenteritis tends to worsen without specific treatment methods. Moreover, the mortality rate of acute gastroenteritis is quite high, so it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly when gastrointestinal inflammation occurs.

Causes of Cat Acute Gastroenteritis:

1. Weather Changes

When the seasons change, cats are prone to catching a cold. During summer, with air conditioning on, cats' bellies can easily become chilled.

2. Poor Feeding Practices

Overfeeding kittens or feeding adult cats with indigestible foods, or giving them spoiled or rotten food, can lead to acute gastroenteritis.

3. Bacterial Infection

Acute gastroenteritis in cats can also be caused by bacterial infections, especially if they have not been properly dewormed. Cats playing outdoors may also be infected by other pets.

What to Do When a Cat Has Acute Gastroenteritis:

If you notice your cat acting listless, not playful, losing appetite, or preferring to lie in cool corners, it's essential to observe for gastrointestinal discomfort. If vomiting and diarrhea have already started, you should seek veterinary care immediately to determine the cause of the illness. Avoid giving your cat any medication without consulting a vet, especially human medications, as they can be harmful and have adverse effects. It's crucial to bring your cat to a veterinary hospital to receive targeted treatment and medication for a full recovery.

Regarding the duration of selfhealing for cat gastroenteritis, cat owners should be aware that when the condition is severe, it is not advisable to administer medication without professional guidance. In such cases, immediate veterinary care or consultation with an online veterinary doctor is necessary.