Cats have litter boxes, so very often, owners do not bother checking their stools for abnormalities. However, cats, like dogs, need help stopping diarrhea as soon as possible to avoid dehydration. But what can you feed a cat with diarrhea? Here are some tips to help you out!
One of the leading causes of diarrhea in cats is hairballs, so keeping the coat short can help prevent this disease. Below are other precautions to take when your cat has diarrhea.
1) Fasting
The first thing you can do for a cat with diarrhea is to fast. Do not feed it for at least one day to clean out its intestines. Give only water, and after a day, offer fat-free vegetable or chicken broth.
2) Homemade Food
Feeding homemade food twice a week will help the digestive system of cats with diarrhea or prone to diarrhea. Several products can be offered, including unsalted white rice and skinless chicken. Veterinary clinics also sell food specifically for cats with stomach or intestinal problems.
3) Fluids
Diarrhea is nothing more than the very rapid elimination of fluid from the body, which, as already mentioned, can lead to dehydration. Fluid intake, therefore, helps the pet recover.
4) Isotonic Beverages
Isotonic beverages have the same concentration of salt and sugar as the human body. They quickly replenish water lost through perspiration and increase the amount of water in the body. They are very beneficial because they are high in minerals and sodium and give the animal what it needs as it is excreted from the body.
5) Medications
Of course, these should always be administered under the supervision of a veterinarian. Never give medication to an animal at your own discretion, even if you have received it before and believe the treatment has been effective. This case may be similar, but the cause could be different and may require other types of treatment. Your veterinarian will know better and
6) Change The Food
Diarrhea is often caused by nutritional deficiencies. Feeding your cat the same food for a long time or feeding a very artificial diet can cause stomach pains that can lead to this condition. However, if you think you need to change foods, do so gradually, not abruptly.
7) Vitamins
Vitamins are an essential part of a cat’s daily diet, but they are essential for diarrhea. This is because cats can quickly become dehydrated when they have diarrhea. Vitamins can replenish all the necessary nutrients lost through excessive fluid loss.
8) Natural Yogurt
The probiotics in yogurt strengthen the cat’s digestive system and form a good barrier against bacteria. In addition, it tastes great. Of course, it must be a sugar-free product.
9) Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin puree is a delicious way of adding fiber to a cat’s diet, and many felines enjoy it. Make sure to use the unflavored, sugar-free type, not the pie-filled type. Fiber is excellent for absorbing excess water, and the high fiber content in canned pumpkin puree will help firm up your cat’s stools.
10) Clean the Food Bowl
Cat food bowls are prone to bacterial growth, so disinfecting and sanitizing them is effective. However, replacing plastic food bowls with stainless steel ones is recommended, as these are more hygienic and less prone to bacterial and parasitic growth.
There is no greater feeling of helplessness than watching your cat struggle, knowing that you can’t heal your pet on your own. If diarrhea continues more than usual and does not improve with these remedies, take your pet to a veterinarian. It may be a sign that something more serious is going on with the cat’s body.