When does Cat Diarrhea Require Veterinary Attention? Cats can suffer from feline diarrhea for many reasons. It can be caused by a virus, food poisoning, bacterial infection, or a hormonal imbalance. Diarrhea in cats can range from occasional small dribbles to severe floods, which can lead to death if not treated promptly.
A cat diarrhea symptom to look out for is incessant drinking and eating of water, followed by vomiting and loss of appetite or even death. Cats often mistake this as a common gastrointestinal issue and therefore do not get medical attention. When you see your cat starts drinking a small amount of water every time you visit him, even after he has been vomiting for several hours, he is suffering from dehydration and is more susceptible to intestinal parasites such as tapeworms and Giardia. A small amount of canned pumpkin or dry cat food can be mixed with water to make a homemade drink that can encourage water and reduce the severity of the symptoms of cat diarrhea.
Some cats suffering from feline diarrhea will have bloody stool, which should be reported to your vet. Blood in the stool can be due to a bacterial infection or a viral attack. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics in order to clear up the infection and promote healing of the inflamed intestinal linings.
If your cat is in severe pain and is losing weight, a prescription pain medication can be given, in addition to a prescription diet. If your cat is a candidate for thrombosis or is diabetic, a blood thinner may be advised. A home treatment for cat diarrhea that works well is to withhold food from your pet for at least two days, followed by giving him a smaller amount of food.
If none of these home treatments for feline diarrhea are effective or your cat remains unwell, you should consult a veterinarian. The usual medications used for treating feline gastrointestinal problems include amoxicillin, cephalexin, clarithromycin, doxycycline, and metronidazole. Some antibiotics are available without a prescription. To prevent drug resistance, your veterinarian may recommend that a single dose of a previously non-resistant antibiotic be repeated with a new dose after three days. Some medicines for treating cat diarrhea are also available on the internet.
Because feline diarrhea can be a sign of a more serious problem, your vet will usually treat your pet with a combination of homeopathic remedies along with antibiotic treatments. Whatever the treatment, your vet is likely to recommend that your cat be given a full course of medications. Sometimes, especially if the cause of cat diarrhea is a viral infection, the loss of appetite may make it necessary to supplement the diet with a sugar-free diet or to eat small amounts of rice or table sugar. As always, you should ensure your cat has regular access to fresh water.
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