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Cure loose bowel movement: How to treat and home remedies

How to treat and home remedies

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Loose stools are unusually watery bowel movements. They can result from a gastrointestinal infection, ulcerative colitis, thyroid problems, pancreatitis, and many other causes.

Loose stools often occur after eating, but can also happen at other points in the day. When loose stools occur consecutively on multiple occasions throughout a day, this is described as diarrhea.

However, loose stools can occur chronically and may require treatment. This article will outline potential causes and treatments for loose stools.

Fast facts on loose stools:

  • A loose stool is a term used to describe stools that are more watery and soft than usual.
  • Occasional diarrhea is not usually a cause for concern.
  • Loose stools can have a range of different causes, but most cases are relatively harmless.

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Most people will experience loose stools occasionally. These bouts of diarrhea can be caused by:

1. Dietary trends

Certain foods, drinks, or supplements can increase the likelihood of loose stools or diarrhea occurring.

Sometimes, the body can have problems digesting certain types of sugars, such as sugar alcohols and lactose.

Sugar alcohols are found in a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and artificial flavorings. The small intestine cannot digest large amounts of sugar alcohols efficiently, which can cause diarrhea.

Diets high in lactose, a sugar found in milk-based products, can also cause loose stools. People with lactose intolerances may experience diarrhea following the consumption of any milk-based products.

Loose stools can also be caused by diets high in:

  • alcohol
  • rich and spicy foods
  • coffee
  • magnesium

2. Infections or food poisoning

Viruses, bacteria or parasites can cause inflammation in the stomach and intestines. This can cause loose stools and diarrhea, along with other symptoms including:

  • abdominal pain
  • vomiting
  • nausea

Chronic conditions that can cause diarrhea include:

3. Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition affecting the digestive system. Diarrhea and loose stools are a common symptom of IBS. Other symptoms can include:

  • abdominal pain
  • abdominal bloating
  • constipation
  • gas
  • indigestion

4. Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic condition causing inflammation in the colon and rectum. People with UC often experience loose stools and diarrhea. Other symptoms of UC include:

  • abdominal pain
  • frequent bowel movements
  • fatigue
  • appetite and weight loss
  • mouth ulcers
  • joint pain
  • skin irritation
  • eye irritation

5. Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is a long-term condition where the lining of the digestive system becomes inflamed. It can cause diarrhea and loose stools. Other symptoms can include:

  • abdominal pain
  • blood in fecal matter
  • appetite and weight loss
  • fatigue

6. Celiac disease

Celiac disease is a common condition in which the consumption of gluten causes an inflammation of the small intestine. People who have consumed gluten may experience loose stools and diarrhea. Other symptoms include:

  • abdominal pain
  • abdominal bloating
  • gas
  • constipation
  • indigestion
  • skin irritation
  • fatigue
  • weight loss

7. Bile acid malabsorption

Several disorders of the liver and gallbladder can impair the action of bile, preventing the proper breakdown of fats in the intestine. For example, this can occur in people with gallstones or liver cirrhosis. Bile acid malabsorption can cause diarrhea or loose stools.

8. Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

An overactive thyroid is where the thyroid gland produces too many hormones, interfering with its normal functioning. This can cause loose stools or diarrhea. Other symptoms can include:

  • mood instability
  • poor regulation of sleep
  • swelling around the neck
  • erratic body temperature
  • irritability
  • weight loss
  • trembling

9.

Chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a condition where the inflammation occurs in the pancreas. It can impair the proper breakdown of fats, starches, and proteins. This can cause loose stools or diarrhea.

Other symptoms include:

  • abdominal pain
  • nausea
  • vomiting

10. Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a long-term condition where mucus builds up in the lungs and digestive system. This can interfere with digestion and cause loose stools or diarrhea. Other symptoms include:

  • recurring chest infections
  • shortness of breath
  • difficulty gaining weight
  • a persistent cough

11. Dumping syndrome (rapid gastric emptying)

Dumping syndrome is a condition where food moves from the stomach to the bowel too quickly. It often occurs after weight-loss surgery. It can cause loose stools and diarrhea. Other symptoms include:

  • abdominal pain
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • dizziness
  • abnormal heartbeat

Infrequent cases of loose stools do not typically require medical treatment. However, multiple cases of loose stools can cause dehydration and malnutrition. Some home remedies that may help to prevent or reduce diarrhea include:

  • dietary changes to avoid foods triggering loose stools
  • consuming foods high in fiber
  • taking anti-diarrhea medication, such as Imodium. Imodium is available for purchase over the counter or online.
  • staying hydrated
  • consuming probiotics. A range of probiotics is available for purchase online.

With the help of these home remedies, diarrhea caused by dietary trends, infections or food poisoning should return to normal after a few days.

Loose stools or diarrhea that does not improve after 1 week should be given immediate medical attention. This can be a sign of a more serious medical condition and may worsen without treatment.

Some conditions may be treated with prescription medications or antibiotics, but more serious conditions, such as pancreatitis may require hospital treatment. In some cases, there are no available cures for the underlying condition, but symptoms can be managed.

These conditions include Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and IBS. Symptoms are often managed using a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.

In most cases, diarrhea will often subside within a few days without treatment, or with the help of some home remedies.

It is important to distinguish between loose stools that occur infrequently and those that are chronic. Experiencing loose stools that persist for over 1 week may indicate a more serious underlying condition that will require immediate medical attention.

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5 simple home remedies for diarrhea

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Home remedies for diarrhea include drinking plenty of water, avoiding fatty foods, and trying probiotics. But, a person should seek medical advice for severe or persistent diarrhea, or if there are other symptoms.

Diarrhea is a digestive problem that causes loose, watery bowel movements. It can be uncomfortable for a few hours or days, after which the symptoms should improve. In some instances, they last longer.

While diarrhea often goes away on its own, several home remedies can ease symptoms and speed up recovery.

Share on PinterestDiarrhea causes a deficit of fluids, making it vital to rehydrate.

Hydrating the body is essential to recovering from diarrhea.

Diarrhea causes a deficit of fluids, including water. This causes the body to lose electrolytes such as sodium and chloride.

To support recovery, it is vital to restore fluids. Otherwise, a person may become dehydrated.

Dehydration can be dangerous in children and older adults, so it is crucial to encourage them to drink water if they are experiencing diarrhea.

Drinking water is the first step to rehydrating. A person can also to create an oral rehydration solution by mixing 1 liter of water with half a teaspoon of salt and 6 teaspoons of sugar.

Consuming sugar and salt with water helps the intestines to absorb fluids more efficiently. This solution more effectively rehydrates the body after a bout of diarrhea than water alone.

Other drinks can also be beneficial. For example, drinking sports drinks can help rehydrate the body and restore potassium and sodium. Fruit juices can also help restore potassium.

Avoid drinking anything that will further irritate the digestive tract, such as:

  • caffeinated drinks
  • alcohol
  • carbonated beverages
  • very hot drinks

A diet of small, frequent meals can be better than eating three larger meals a day when recovering from diarrhea. A good diet for someone with diarrhea may involve:

  • foods rich in pectin, such as fruit
  • foods high in potassium, such as potatoes and sweet potatoes
  • foods with electrolytes, such as miso soup and sports drinks
  • cooked, soft vegetables
  • adequate amounts of protein

Some people find that having a liquid diet for the first 24 hours of diarrhea helps settle the digestive system. This may include salty broths, bland soups, and drinks.

Adopting this diet for the first 24 hours may prevent the bowels from working too hard.

Another option for people with diarrhea is the BRAT diet. This consists of:

  • Bananas
  • Rice
  • Apple sauce
  • Toast

This diet combines bland foods that are low in fiber and high in starch, which may help produce more solid bowel movements. It also contains helpful nutrients, such as potassium and pectin.

It is essential to note that the BRAT diet is highly restrictive and does not provide balanced nutrition. People should only follow this diet until they are feeling better and not any longer than 2 days.

Share on PinterestA person with diarrhea should avoid eating greasy foods.

It can help to avoid foods that could irritate or put pressure on the gastrointestinal tract, such as:

  • high-fat foods
  • greasy foods
  • spicy foods
  • foods containing artificial sweeteners
  • foods with high levels of fructose

Some doctors recommend avoiding dairy products, as they may worsen diarrhea in some people. While general evidence for this claim is limited, people with lactose intolerance should avoid these products.

Probiotics are microorganisms that can benefit the digestive system. They can support the workings of the gut and help fight off infection.

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts in some yogurts and other fermented foods. People can also buy probiotic supplements in health stores or online.

In 2010, researchers conducted a large systematic review of 63 studies on probiotics, with over 8,000 participants.

They found that probiotics significantly shortened the duration of recovery from diarrhea. They also found probiotics to be safe, without any major side effects.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not regulate probiotic supplements, so be sure to purchase them from a reputable source and ask a doctor or pharmacist if in doubt.

Share on PinterestOver-the-counter drugs, such as Imodium, can help reduce symptoms and speed up recovery time.

Several over-the-counter medications are available for treating diarrhea.

Antimotility drugs can help reduce symptoms and speed up recovery time. A common example of this type of drug is loperamide (Imodium).

However, these medications are not always appropriate. People with bloody bowel movements or a fever should refrain from taking antimotility drugs and speak to a doctor instead.

In most cases, it is possible to treat diarrhea at home without consulting a doctor. However, if diarrhea lasts for more than 2 days, seek medical advice to avoid complications.

Other reasons to see a doctor for diarrhea include:

  • blood or pus in bowel movements
  • a fever
  • signs of dehydration, such as extreme thirst and dry mouth
  • chronic diarrhea
  • diarrhea during sleep
  • significant weight loss
  • severe abdominal pain

People at risk of complications, such as young children and older adults, should also see a doctor for treatment if diarrhea does not improve with time and home remedies.

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Diarrhea in a cat – symptoms of diarrhea, causes, help 🐈 and treatment

Diarrhea in a cat is a very unpleasant symptom. This is pain and suffering for the animal, inconvenience and anxiety for its owner.

Causes of diarrhea in cats

The cause may be infectious or non-communicable diseases, helminthic infestation or infection with protozoa. Many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are accompanied by diarrhea. Indigestion can also be due to improper feeding or intolerance to food components.

Infectious diseases as a cause of diarrhea in cats

The most dangerous infection, the symptom of which is diarrhea in cats – panleukopenia (“cat distemper”). Usually unvaccinated kittens and adults get sick with it, infection occurs by the fecal-oral route. Panleukopenia is highly contagious and especially dangerous for kittens. Prevention of this infection is timely vaccination.

With panleukopenia, the kitten is lethargic, refuses to eat, has fever, and may vomit. Diarrhea is the main symptom. Diarrhea in a kitten with panleukopenia is debilitating, many times a day, watery, profuse, with a fetid odor, there may be diarrhea with blood. Adult cats tolerate panleukopenia more easily, they have more frequent vomiting, and may not have such repeated diarrhea. At home, it is difficult to treat this infection in kittens due to increasing dehydration and a violation of the water-salt (electrolyte) balance, which can cause death. Such dehydration is corrected with droppers, it is better in the conditions of an infectious diseases hospital in a veterinary clinic.

Feline coronavirus enteritis is an infection that is transmitted from mother to kittens during mating, at exhibitions, and through close contact between cats. This disease may be asymptomatic. In this case, the owner needs to know that his cat is a carrier of the coronavirus in order to provide her with accommodation isolated from other cats, not to let her walk, to prevent reproduction (sterilization).

It is worse when chronic diarrhea develops against the background of a coronavirus infection. It is possible to fight it only with symptomatic means: enterosorbents, treatment for worms and protozoa so that they do not aggravate the course of the disease, antibacterial agents acting in the intestines to prevent the development of pathogenic microflora, probiotics and prebiotics, diet.

It is still not entirely clear how the coronavirus mutates in the cat and causes infectious peritonitis. This rarely happens, but it is feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) that is the most dangerous and deadly complication of a coronovirus infection.

Non-communicable diseases

Loose stools in cats are often caused by diseases of the digestive system. Diarrhea may be accompanied by pancreatitis, diseases of the liver, gallbladder, large and small intestines.

Poisoning

Diarrhea in cats is caused by food poisoning (poisoning with stale or unsuitable food), as well as poisoning by some drugs when they are overdosed or given incorrectly.

Worm infestations and protozoan infestations

Worm infestations are not uncommon in cats. Cats with access to the street become infected by the fecal-oral route from their relatives and their feces. Cats living at home can become infected by eating raw meat or fish, as well as some types of worms.
carried by fleas. Kittens get worms from their mother cat.

Among the most common helminthiases in cats are ascariasis, toxocariasis, hookworm, opisthorchiasis. Of the simplest, diarrhea causes trichomoniasis and giardiasis.

Helminthiases are dangerous not only for the cat itself, but also for the person who owns the pet. Therefore, it is imperative to regularly treat cats for worms and fleas and do not forget that this is also true for exclusively pets.

Improper feeding of cats

Despite the long life side by side with humans, in fact, the cat has changed little in the process of evolution. She remained an exclusively carnivorous animal, a real predator, although she often lives in a city apartment.

The physiology of digestion in cats is more complex than in humans and dogs. It is much more difficult to make the right diet for a cat from homemade products. Many nutrients cannot be synthesized by the animal and must be obtained from food. The meat that is most often fed to a domestic cat is not a complete food for a predator. Muscle tissue, for example, does not contain taurine, which is vital for a cat, the amino acid composition of such a protein is incomplete. In nature, a cat eats its prey whole, thus receiving carbohydrates semi-digested by the victim (grain from the intestines of a mouse or a bird), rich in essential amino acids from the inside of the victim, because the muscle tissue in a mouse is 20 grams, no more. Therefore, for a pet, balanced high-quality industrial feed, taking into account the nutritional needs of their body, has become a complete and proper nutrition. Feeding from the table, foods familiar to the human diet, causes diarrhea, vomiting and indigestion in the cat. And with such long-term “errors” in nutrition, there are more serious problems.

Intolerance to food components, certain foods, allergies

Intolerance or true allergy to certain dietary components in cats can also cause diarrhea. Such animals are said to have “sensitive digestion”. For them, special feeds have been created that reduce the risk of adverse reactions from the gastrointestinal tract to a minimum, as well as therapeutic dietary diets.

For example, PRO PLAN® DELICATE for adult cats with sensitive digestion contains turkey meat as the main source of protein. Turkey protein is statistically less likely to cause an allergic reaction. The prebiotic inulin in this diet also contributes to the health of the cat’s intestines, as it is a substrate for beneficial microflora.

Symptoms

Diarrhea is unformed feces, liquid or mushy stools. Diarrhea in a cat can be multiple, when the animal does not even have time to run to the tray and leaves “traces” in the wrong places, or maybe 2-3 times a day, exclusively in the tray.

Diarrhea can be accompanied by tenesmus – false painful urge to defecate, in this case the cat sits on the pot for a long time in a characteristic position, while little or no stool is excreted in the litter box.

Frequent “companion” of diarrhea is vomiting. For example, in case of poisoning, individual intolerance to certain products, helminthic infestations, infectious diseases in cats, diarrhea and vomiting are observed at the same time.

Abdominal pain with diarrhea is an important symptom. Cats do not complain about pain, they do not scream or moan, so the owner of the animal must understand by the behavior and appearance of the pet that he is in pain. The cat with pain hides from people, climbs under the bed, does not caress, does not meet the owner. She does not take relaxed relaxed postures during sleep and rest, but sits with her paws tucked up like a ruffled sparrow. She has a downturned mustache and the corners of her lips. She becomes lethargic and eats little. All of these are signs of pain.

Chronic (long-term) diarrhea causes weight loss. In this case, a cat can eat well, but lose weight and not get better.

Types of diarrhea in cats

Let’s try to classify cat diarrhea by the color of feces.

  • Yellow. Yellow diarrhea is typical for lactating kittens, for example, with lactose intolerance. It is accompanied by bloating and pain. In a kitten up to one month of age, diarrhea can also be associated with intestinal dysbiosis, the color of the feces in this case will also be yellow. In adult cats, a symptom of lactose intolerance when eating milk will also be yellow diarrhea.
  • Green. Unformed green feces can be with a foreign body in the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal intussusception. These are serious pathologies that require immediate medical attention.
  • Black. The black color of stool is a sign of the presence of digested blood in it. This happens in cats with ulcers and perforations in the stomach and duodenum. Black diarrhea is a symptom of poisoning with some painkillers.
  • White stool is rare in cats. It happens when the bile ducts or gallbladder are affected, because it is the components of bile that give the feces the usual brown color.
  • Red. Diarrhea with scarlet blood is a sign of diseases of the large intestine, rectum, and anal area. Diarrhea with blood in cats occurs when infected with parasites living in the intestines, with colitis, including due to improper feeding.
  • Water diarrhea, profuse diarrhea. It happens with poisoning, enteritis, including those caused by viruses. With this type of diarrhea, there is a rapid loss of fluid (even if the animal drinks) and electrolytes (microelement salts).
  • Diarrhea with mucus. The cause of such diarrhea is also most often in the large intestine. Diarrhea with mucus and blood is a sign of invasion by protozoa or worms. Mucus in the feces may be due to the excessive growth of pathogenic microflora in the intestine and suppression of the growth of favorable bacteria.

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Diarrhea in a pregnant cat

Diarrhea in pregnant cats can be caused by malnutrition. When pregnancy occurs, a cat needs special feeding, more high-calorie, with a lot of protein. From industrial feeds for expectant mothers, feeds for kittens are recommended. It is they who cover their growing nutritional needs. It is not necessary to give milk to a pregnant cat, it often causes diarrhea. You need clean water to drink.

It is dangerous if the cause of diarrhea in a pregnant cat is an infectious disease. In this case, there is a threat to the fetus. They may die or be born with a pathology. Therefore, the cat must be vaccinated in advance.

Diarrhea in a kitten

In kittens, diarrhea can also be associated with malnutrition, with a change in diet when the kitten is taken away from the mother cat and taken to a new home. Diarrhea in a kitten is often associated with worms. Therefore, already from the age of three weeks, according to the plan, it is necessary to give the kittens anthelmintics, and after a month they begin to teach them to eat on their own, so that, having moved to their owner, the baby is maximally adapted to a new life.

From the age of three months, kittens are given mandatory vaccinations that will protect them from infections after the maternal immunity received from colostrum stops working.

How to give first aid for diarrhea

Enterosorbents can be the first aid for diarrhea at home. These are drugs that increase the viscosity of the stool by absorbing (taking on) excess fluid in the intestines. Also, these drugs help fight toxins with some poisoning and with increased gas formation.

Probiotic supplements to normalize the intestinal microflora can also help with diarrhea. You can give your cat a PRO PLAN® FORTIFLORA® supplement. It contains beneficial microorganisms and a substrate (food) for them. It is convenient that the sachet contains one dose, it is not necessary to divide and dose by weight.

Treatment of diarrhea

Treatment of diarrhea depends on its cause. Different approaches to the treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea. Sometimes the treatment is symptomatic, sometimes it directly affects the cause. For example, unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for diarrhea caused by the panleukopenia virus. In this case, droppers are used, antibacterial drugs are used to suppress harmful bacteria, in the absence of vomiting, cats are fed with special dietary rations.

When to see a veterinarian

If diarrhea does not go away within 2-3 days, is accompanied by vomiting, if you notice blood in the stools or if they turn black – all these are reasons for immediately contacting a doctor.

Diarrhea that responds to simple home treatment usually resolves in 2-3 days, with gradual improvement in the cat’s condition. Lethargy, apathy and anorexia should not progress. Fasting is harmful to a cat, but if she does not eat, then in the absence of vomiting, she must be force-fed.

What to feed a cat with diarrhea

Special therapeutic foods have been created for the nutritional support of a cat with diarrhea. For example, PRO PLAN® VETERINARY DIETS ST/OX GASTROINTESTINAL, which contains bentonite, a natural enterosorbent that increases stool viscosity. A specially selected composition allows you to remove the load from the intestines inflamed with diarrhea and is absorbed as much as possible.

Digestive Sensitive Cat Food is an option for cats suffering from food intolerances and prone to diarrhea due to dietary changes.

Diarrhea Prevention

First of all, it is the right nutrition that suits your cat individually. As well as regular treatments for external and internal parasites, vaccinations.

PRO PLAN® FORTIFLORA® is also suitable as an optimal probiotic combination for the prevention and treatment of diarrhea in cats. It is important that the drug has high palatability, cats with a capricious appetite during illness eat it with pleasure. FORTIFLORA® granules are not destroyed by the hydrochloric acid of the stomach, but go directly to the intestines, where beneficial bacteria begin their fight against pathogenic microbes and contribute to the patient’s recovery.

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Diarrhea in a cat – what to do and how to treat at home: causes, symptoms

Content

  1. Most common causes of diarrhea in cats
  2. First aid for diarrhea
  3. Susceptibility to diarrhea
  4. Prevention of diarrhea in cats
  5. Under what circumstances should you contact specialists
  6. What information must the owner provide

The cat has diarrhea – this problem is faced by many pet owners. Most people are accustomed to associate this phenomenon with temporary digestive disorders, but in reality, everything can be much more serious. Having noticed a similar symptom in a pet, you should carefully monitor its condition, and, if necessary, provide it with prompt and competent assistance.

If a domestic cat has diarrhea, treating it with improvised methods is not the best idea, since most often people assume the presence of ordinary problems in the gastrointestinal tract, not noticing other alarming symptoms, and not having time to respond quickly if the reasons turned out to be more serious.

In order to understand how to stop diarrhea in a cat, you must first find out its cause. Most often, these problems arise due to:

  • Difficulties in the functioning of the liver or gallbladder. In the normal state, the liver helps bile to enter the duodenum, but if any violations occur in this process, this leads to the development of putrefactive microflora, which in turn provokes intestinal irritation and diarrhea.
  • All kinds of parasites, such as roundworms, giardia, crypto-sporidia and others, provoke stomach and intestinal disorders. In such cases, the color of cat diarrhea may be yellowish or even greenish and contain mucus. Some intestinal parasites only develop in young cats, others only in adults, and usually they have little in common in terms of symptoms. That is why only an experienced and qualified specialist can diagnose the problem itself and prescribe treatment.
  • Various bacterial infections such as E. coli, Clostridia, Salmonella and so on. Such difficulties cause bloody diarrhea in a cat and, in general, are very difficult for animals to tolerate. They occur in pets with weak immunity, and require the most prompt assistance.
  • A variety of viral infections – from panleukopenia to peritonitis and HIV. Usually, animals do not cope well with such diseases, and with them vomiting and diarrhea are far from the only symptom, but along with it there is a loss of appetite, weight loss and a host of other signs.
  • Ingestion of toxins, both natural (poisonous plants) and non-natural (heavy metals, etc.).
  • Intestinal obstruction caused by internal problems or foreign body.
  • Cancer, in particular lymphoma or adenocarcinoma.
  • Systemic diseases of the internal organs or diabetes mellitus.
  • Pancreatitis.
  • Fungal infections.
  • Inflammation of the intestines.
  • Individual intolerance to some specific products.

Obviously, with so many potential problems, the treatment for diarrhea can be extremely varied. That is why the most important point is to determine the causes, and it is most often possible to do this only in laboratory conditions, examining various analyzes.

First aid for diarrhoea.

Often diarrhea does not indicate that the animal has any serious health problems, so if you notice such a deviation, you should not immediately sound the alarm. Just watch your pet, be sure to pay attention to his activity, playfulness, and appetite.

Sometimes in the case of diarrhea, animals may show signs of severe dehydration. Even if the cat is actively drinking, due to problems in the body, the liquid quickly leaves it. Evidence of a lack of moisture is matted and lost its luster of wool, as well as the lack of elasticity of the skin. Often, this problem can be dealt with only by subcutaneous injection of fluids.

If your cat is old enough (after the first year of life), then it should not be fed for 12-24 hours, give the animal plenty of water, and then transfer it to a sparing diet. It implies a complete rejection of dry or canned food and fish. Instead, the pet should be fed boiled eggs, rice, chicken broth, and after a couple of days, regular boiled chicken.

At the same time, you need to feed several times a day in small portions (4-5 times a day), otherwise the domestic cat will have diarrhea again, since it will be difficult for a fragile body to function in the same rhythm for some time. Of course, if the diarrhea does not go away on this, if you are worried about the presence of blood or an unusual color with shades of green or yellow, the pet must be urgently brought to the veterinarian.

You should not even try to make a diagnosis on your own, and even more so give the animal some specialized medicine for diarrhea for cats. Firstly, there is a big risk that you will not guess the cause, and at best the drugs will not be useful. And, secondly, the dosage of any medicine is calculated individually, depending on a large number of factors, and only a professional can fully assess all the risks.

Predisposition to diarrhea.

As numerous studies show, there are no specific cat breeds that are particularly prone to diarrhea. However, sometimes long-haired pets, which have large amounts of hair accumulated in the stomach, can suffer from periodic, but not dangerous diarrhea. It is also worth noting that animals that are actively walking on the street and especially in contact with other pets are constantly at risk, so special hygiene requirements must be imposed on them.

Prevention of diarrhea in cats.

It is important to understand that loose stools in a cat can be caused by common nutritional problems, and therefore, in order to prevent such problems, it is worth considering a few key points:

  • Most cats love the smell and taste of a variety of dairy products, but their bodies most often lack the enzymes necessary for their proper digestion. Diarrhea in cats from milk, sour cream, kefir, cottage cheese, and so on, is a common occurrence.
  • Carefully approach the diet of the animal, feed it with specialized feeds, and not the same foods that you eat yourself. It is also important to observe the feeding regime, and give food in small portions several times a day.
  • If you are going to transition your animal to a new food, do it gradually, mixing the new food with the old food and gradually increasing the proportion. So the body of the animal will have time to rebuild in time.

Under what circumstances should you contact a specialist?

Alarming symptoms indicating that it is time to take the pet to the veterinarian is incessant diarrhea that lasts for several days in a row. It is also worth paying attention to other potential symptoms, especially lethargy, severe weight loss, fever, fever, decreased appetite, and it is equally important to analyze the color of cat diarrhea.

Urgently contact a specialist if you observe diarrhea with blood and mucus in a cat, because in this case there is a high probability of damage to internal organs. True, in this case, you should carefully consider the issue of transporting a pet – you need to transport it exclusively in a carrier and try to reduce shaking in transport.

What information should the owner provide.

If the condition of your pet is of concern to you, and you decide to visit a veterinarian, then there is a whole list of information that will be useful for a specialist to know in order to quickly make an accurate diagnosis. Such data includes:

  • The age of the animal.
  • Known allergies to medications or food.
  • Time since diarrhea started.
  • Intensity and regularity of secretions.
  • Characteristic features of diarrhea, such as its color and even smell, if it is palpable.
  • Other symptoms, especially those related to mobility, appetite and activity, which the physician may not notice on his own after a short examination.
  • Information about what the animal eats, whether there have been any recent drastic changes in the diet, and so on.