Diet for Cat With Diarrhea

Cats and kittens often suffer from diarrhea. Diarrhea, or overly soft, watery stool is affected by diet. Changes in diet as well as food allergies can trigger an attack of acute diarrhea. If the cat remains ill for more than three weeks, she has chronic diarrhea and should be evaluated by a vet. She may need a special diet as well as medical intervention.

  1. Fasting Cure

    • Diarrhea may be caused by an intestinal blockage. Petsplace.com says that withholding food from the cat for 12 to 24 hours can sometimes give the cat's intestines a well-needed rest, allowing them to clear blocks or heal from inflammation. During the fast, make sure to give your cat plenty of water so he does not become dehydrated.

    Dietary Changes and Diarrhea

    • Some cats have sensitive stomachs, and changes in diet can cause them to become ill. Diarrhea is often a symptom of this type of stomach sensitivity. In order to prevent diarrhea, change your cat's food gradually to a new brand. For about a week, give her 75 percent of her old food mixed with 25 percent of her new food. For the next week, mix equal portions of old and new food. For the third week, give her a blend of 25 percent of her old food and 75 percent of her new food. After this, you should be able to feed her the new food without upsetting her stomach.

    Dietary Changes to Help Diarrhea

    • Veterinarian Mike Richards says that cats who suffer from diarrhea may need more fiber in their diet or be allergic to proteins in their food. Your vet can prescribe a special diet for your cat in an attempt to relieve him of diarrhea symptoms. Usually the vet tries a higher fiber, lower fat diet. If the diet does not work after six to eight weeks, your vet can prescribe a hypo-allergenic diet. Some cats are picky eaters and will refuse to eat hypo-allergenic food. Dr. Richards says that these cats can eat a highly specialized diet containing unusual protein sources such as duck. You can also feed the cat a bland diet to try to reduce stomach distress.

    Warnings

    • If your cat is on a special diet, be careful not to let her have table scraps. "People food" may contain allergens that contribute to the cat's diarrhea. You should also make sure your cat is drinking enough water to avoid dehydration, especially if she is refusing to eat her new food.

    Other Causes

    • Diarrhea can be a symptom of a more serious illness. Food poisoning and food allergies are common causes. Diarrhea can also be a symptom of a bacterial infection, a virus or serious gastrointestinal disease such as stomach cancer. If your cat suffers from diarrhea, you should take her to the vet as soon as possible for a full evaluation.