Causes of Cat Diarrhea & How to Treat a Sick Kitten

Part 1: Reasons Why Cats Experience Diarrhea and Loss of Appetite

When a cat starts experiencing diarrhea and loses its appetite, it's important to consider several potential causes:

1. A heavy infestation of internal parasites can lead to diarrhea, weight loss, lack of energy, and vomiting in cats. Initially, the cat might show an increased appetite but with weight loss. Later on, the appetite may decrease significantly, and the cat may become underweight with an enlarged abdomen. It's crucial for owners to regularly deworm their cats to prevent such issues.

2. Chronic enteritis can also cause cats to have frequent diarrhea and a lack of appetite. This condition often relates to the cat's diet, such as irregular feeding, a diet with a mix of inappropriate foods, or consumption of spicy or human foods. These factors can lead to chronic enteritis.

3. Cats infected with feline distemper will exhibit symptoms like frequent diarrhea and loss of appetite, along with fever, vomiting, and conjunctivitis. If your cat hasn't been vaccinated or hasn't completed its vaccination series, it's essential to take it to a vet for a checkup to rule out feline distemper.

Part 2: How to Handle a Cat's Diarrhea and Loss of Appetite

The primary reason for a cat's diarrhea and loss of appetite is usually discomfort, leading to a decrease in appetite. It's advisable for pet owners to take their cat to a veterinarian for a thorough examination to determine the exact cause of the diarrhea and then proceed with targeted treatment.

1. If the diarrhea is due to a common enteritis, antiinflammatory and antidiarrheal medications may be necessary. You can administer Panspec's Viloxyl bismuth subcitrate tablets for diarrhea control and a combination of amoxicillin powder for inflammation. Additionally, feeding probiotics to regulate the digestive system is recommended. It's also important to feed your cat a balanced diet and avoid giving it human food.

2. In cases where parasites are the cause, immediate deworming is essential. It's best to identify the type of parasite and choose a specific deworming medication. Inflammation should also be addressed, as parasites can cause intestinal damage, leading to bacterial infections.

3. If the diarrhea and loss of appetite are due to a viral infection, prompt veterinary care and intravenous fluid therapy are necessary. Viral infections like feline distemper can be lifethreatening to cats, so it's crucial not to delay treatment.

Should you have any further questions about the causes and treatments for a cat's diarrhea and loss of appetite, don't hesitate to consult an online veterinary expert for guidance.