Home Remedies for Cat Diarrhea

Cats, like other animals, experience diarrhea when their bodies attempt to eliminate toxins or irritants quickly. They achieve this by speeding up intestinal action and cutting down on the re-absorption of water from the stomach. In many cases, diarrhea resolves itself once the irritant is expelled, but sometimes it can take several days for it to clear up completely, resulting in dehydration in as little as 24 hours. The dehydration resulting from diarrhea can become serious, requiring that action be taken to help the cat.

  1. Basic Nutrition

    • Returning your cat to the most basic tenets of nutrition is a vital home remedy for feline diarrhea. Eliminate any foods or treats containing dyes and artificial ingredients, because your cat's stomach has to work harder in order to process them, which can cause problems in trying to alleviate diarrhea. Feed your cat meals that are easier on the stomach, such as boiled chicken or hamburger with white rice mixed in. Substitute the rice with pasta or potatoes if you like. Some commercially available diets are easy on the stomach as well, such as a lamb-and-rice kibble formula.

    Fasting

    • Fasting a cat for a period of 24 hours can help to calm the intestinal tract, alleviating the diarrhea. Make sure to provide your cat with an ample supply of water, but prevent her from eating anything else at all for a full day. This full day allows everything in the intestinal tract to come out, which should prevent the diarrhea from occurring again. Once the fast is over, you can introduce bland foods that are easy on the stomach, and then slowly mix in regular food until she adjusts to her normal diet again.

    Hydration

    • Hydration is an important part of keeping a cat healthy when she is suffering from diarrhea. A cat's hydration needs will grow when she is having diarrhea, so provide her with a constant supply of fresh, clean water at all times. Not only is she losing fluids while suffering diarrhea, but she is also losing essential electrolytes that you need to replenish. You may want to provide her with Pedialyte or a low-sugar sports drink to help provide her with these lost electrolytes, according to Caroline Tanaka, a veterinarian in Austin, Texas.

    Laxatives

    • Bulk-forming laxative products intended for humans can also help with diarrhea in felines. Add a half teaspoon of a laxative product like Metamucil to each one of the cat's meals for a day or two, and she should experience a normalizing effect on her bowels. You should only try this home remedy for feline diarrhea if feeding changes and fasting have not been effective.

    Veterinary Intervention

    • Veterinary intervention may still be required if the diarrhea does not resolve itself through these home remedies. If the cat continues to experience diarrhea after you try these remedies, refuses to eat or drink, appears dehydrated or is vomiting, seek veterinary intervention immediately. Diarrhea that lasts for a period of more than 48 hours can be cause for alarm. Additionally, if the diarrhea is coupled with any symptoms of illness like fever, lethargy or the appearance of pain and discomfort, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.