Is there any particular food for my cat with diarrhoea?

What causes diarrhoea in cats?

Diarrhoea in a cat can have several causes:

• Stress: Stress has a significant impact on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. It can easily lead to diarrhoea symptoms.
• Worms and other parasites: Worms and parasites like Giardia can cause thin stools in a cat.
• Intestinal viruses: An intestinal virus such as rota or the coronavirus can cause diarrhoea.
• Food hypersensitivity: An allergy or intolerance to certain nutrients can lead to diarrhoea symptoms.
• Chronic inflammation in the intestines: Chronic inflammation in the intestines, usually based on autoimmune disease, can also cause diarrhoea.
• An intestinal tumour: Cancer in the intestines, such as malignant lymphoma, occurs in cats, which can cause diarrhoea symptoms.

How can I stop diarrhoea in my cat?

How to support a cat with diarrhoea depends on the cause of the diarrhoea. You can often help your cat by providing special food or supplements.

Special food for a cat with diarrhoea

Special diet foods are developed for cats with diarrhoea symptoms, such as Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Cat. There are several variants, including one for cats suffering from hairballs or constipation. For kittens, there is a special Gastrointestinal kitten tailored to ensure the food is easily digestible but still contains enough protein and nutrients for good growth.

Supplements for a cat with diarrhoea

You can often also support a cat with diarrhoea by giving supplements alongside an easily digestible diet. Supplements can support intestinal flora and help restore the mucous membrane of the intestine.

Supplements you can use for acute diarrhoea in your cat include Pro-Kolin Advanced or Canikur Pro.

Suppose your cat has reduced immunity or chronic diarrhoea symptoms. In that case, supplements like Pure Probiotic and Excellent Cat Parex can provide long-term support.

Worming your cat with diarrhoea

If your cat is at high risk of a worm infection, worms could cause diarrhoea. Worming your cat would be an excellent first step. Worm your cat only if it is not really sick with diarrhoea. Is your cat sick? Please visit your vet first.

Diarrhoea continues to persist

Treating your cat’s diarrhoea yourself should definitely see improvement within 3-5 days. Is this not happening, or does your cat get sicker? Does your cat also start vomiting? Please visit your vet for a check-up. More is often going on, and additional examination or more extensive treatment is necessary.

My cat suffers from diarrhoea and vomiting

If your cat not only has diarrhoea but also vomits, you should not wait to visit the vet. Especially if your cat no longer wants to eat, it is an emergency. Unlike dogs, cats cannot fast. If your cat does not eat, your cat may suffer from a fatty liver which will make your cat even sicker. So, contact your vet if your cat vomits.

Do you have any other questions? Please get in touch via dierenarts@medpets.nl.

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