Cat Owner’s Guide To Cat Diarrhea
Diarrhetic cats pass excessive amounts of loose, watery stools. Diarrhea is just a symptom of a disease or condition. It isn’t a disease itself. If severe enough, it can cause excessive loss of nutrients and fluids and become life-threatening. You may be wondering what causes diarrhea in cats.
Causes
As mentioned earlier, diarrhea can be caused by many other illnesses. However, it can also occur naturally. Two of the most common causes are viruses and parasites that affect the intestinal tract. Even if the intestinal tract isn’t involved, viruses can also affect the stomach and cause diarrhea.
Diarrhea can also be brought on if your cat eats something he’s not supposed to. There are also more serious causes. They include fungal infections, bacterial infections, inflammatory bowel disease, hyperthyroidism, and damage to the pancreas.
Symptoms
Diarrhea in cats usually only causes loose stool. However, your cat may experience other symptoms if the condition is caused by a more serious disease. Some of these other signs include loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, lethargy, and abdominal pain. Sometimes, there will be blood in the vomit or stool.
Diagnosis
Your cat may be diarrhetic for many different reasons. Therefore, it may be difficult to find the underlying cause. Initially, your cat will receive a physical exam. The vet may also elect to take an x-ray. Your cat’s stool should also be checked for parasites. Major diseases will also need to be ruled out by conducting a range of other tests.
Treatment
The underlying problem will determine how your cat is treated for this condition. A special, bland diet will usually help relieve a minor case of diarrhea. If the intestinal tract is inflamed, medications will be given to help relieve it. There are also medications available to make your cat’s stool firmer.
It’s more difficult to treat cases with a major underlying cause. The underlying disease will need to be treated as quickly as possible. To help prevent dehydration, your cat will probably need intravenous fluids. Since secondary infections are commonly a problem, antibiotics may also be given.
Diarrhea isn’t the only cat disease that can affect your kitty. Cat-illnesses.com provides information on a range of diseases. Your cat will thank you for it.
Find free ideas to house training dogs - this is your individual knowledge pack.
