Some days ago, my friend called me and said, “My Cat Has Diarrhea and is Throwing Up.” What can I do? So, from this incident, I will share my experience of what we can do in this situation.
Diarrhea is a common health problem that can occur in cats of all ages and breeds. As a cat owner, it’s concerning when your feline companion experiences digestive issues like diarrhea and vomiting.
While occasional loose stools may not be a cause for alarm, persistent or severe diarrhea may indicate an underlying health problem that requires attention.
In this article, we’ll discuss the possible causes of diarrhea and vomiting in cats, how to recognize these symptoms, and what steps you can take to help your cat feel better.
Both diarrhea and vomiting are signs of gastrointestinal distress in cats. Although they can occur independently, they often occur together and may indicate a more significant problem affecting your cat’s digestive system.
Diarrhea is characterized by loose or watery stools while vomiting forces stomach contents out through the mouth.
Possible causes of diarrhea and vomiting:
- Dietary Neglect: Cats are notorious for their curious nature and may consume unsuitable or spoiled food, leading to digestive upset.
- Food Allergies or Intolerances: Certain ingredients in your cat’s food can trigger an allergic reaction or intolerance, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Ingestion of Foreign Objects: Cats may swallow inedible objects such as hairballs, toys, or plants, which can irritate the digestive tract and cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- Intestinal Parasites: Worms such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms can invade the gastrointestinal tract, causing diarrhea and vomiting.
- Bacterial or Viral Infections: Pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, or feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) can cause gastroenteritis in cats.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract can cause recurrent diarrhea and vomiting.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause digestive disturbances, including diarrhea and vomiting.
- Liver or Kidney Disease: Underlying organ dysfunction may manifest as gastrointestinal symptoms in cats.
Identifying symptoms:
- Frequent loose or watery stools
- Blood or mucus in the stool
- Persistent vomiting or regurgitation
- Lethargy and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration (dry face, sunken eyes, loss of skin elasticity)
Initially What To Do:
Initial Treatment: Administer saline solution as first aid. Human or saline mixed with a small amount of water or cooked rice saline should be administered in 2 syringes every 1/2 hour.
If your cat refuses to eat, mix wet food or fish to make a flavorful mixture and feed it using a syringe or dropper. Petme Probiotic works well when mixed with food to relieve dehydration and constipation quickly with no side effects.
Loose stools should decrease within half a day with this treatment. If not, contact a vet and administer the prescribed medication within 48 hours.
Dietary Recommendations: Offer boiled chicken meat, boiled meat water, and sweet pumpkin. Ensure that rice, fish, or meat served is blended and softened.
Avoid Cow’s Milk: Discontinue cow’s milk consumption, or if necessary, mix it with an equal amount of water before feeding.
Transitioning to Dry Food: An upset stomach after initially eating dry food is common and typically resolves within 1-2 days. Consider minimizing dry food intake until the stomach settles, and gradually reintroduce it by mixing it with the old food.
Avoid Raw Food: Cats accustomed to boiled and cooked food may experience vomiting and diarrhea after consuming raw food. Immediately cease raw food consumption if this occurs.
Address Worms Promptly: If worms are observed in the stool, administer worm medicine as per the vet’s advice. For fever or any other physical problems, seek veterinary guidance for medication.
Also Read: What to do if the cat sneeze?
What to do if your cat has diarrhea and vomits:
- Assess severity: Monitor your cat closely at home if symptoms are mild or occasional. Seek immediate veterinary attention for severe, persistent symptoms or if other related symptoms arise.
- Ensure hydration: Provide access to clean, fresh water or diluted electrolyte solutions to prevent dehydration.
- Temporarily withhold food: Fasting your cat for 12-24 hours can help their digestive system rest and reduce nausea. After fasting, resume a bland diet such as boiled chicken and rice in small, frequent meals.
- Monitor symptoms: Keep track of your cat’s bowel movements and vomiting episodes, noting any changes or worsening symptoms.
- Consult a vet: Schedule a vet appointment if symptoms persist for more than 24-48 hours or if signs of dehydration or weakness occur. Follow the veterinarian’s recommendations for appropriate treatment.
- Provide supportive care: Create a comfortable, stress-free environment for your cat’s recovery.
Conclusion
Diarrhea and vomiting in cats can be distressing, but by understanding possible causes, recognizing symptoms early, and taking appropriate steps to address gastrointestinal problems, you can aid your cat’s recovery and prevent complications.
Remember, timely veterinary care is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Your veterinarian is your partner in promoting your cat’s health and well-being.