How to Help a Cat With Diarrhea

Many things can cause diarrhea in cats, including bacterial or viral illness, parasites, food allergies and poison ingestion. If your cat has continuous watery or bloody diarrhea, the first thing you should do is contact a veterinarian. Severe (very watery and/or nonstop) or bloody diarrhea may indicate a serious illness or poisoning, and your cat may require immediate veterinary care. For less severe cases of diarrhea, you can treat your cat's symptoms at home. But consult with a veterinarian if your cat is otherwise acting ill or the diarrhea lasts for more than a day.

Things You'll Need

  • Kaolin pectin for pets
  • Chicken and rice
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Instructions

    • 1

      Supply the ill cat with fresh water at all times. Diarrhea causes dehydration, and your cat must replenish its fluids regularly. Watch the cat to make sure it drinks. During the first day of diarrhea, VeterinaryPetCare.com advises withholding food from the cat for 24 hours to give its intestines a rest.

    • 2

      Give an antidiarrhea medicine for pets to the cat. One example of an over-the-counter medicine (available at pet-supply stores) is kaolin pectin. This is a liquid given orally. The dosage goes by weight of the animal. Follow directions regarding how often to give this medicine. Do not use the Kaopectate sold for human use or any other antidiarrhea medicine intended for humans, as these contain substances harmful to cats.

    • 3

      Introduce a bland diet the day after the onset of diarrhea. Chicken and rice supply needed protein and carbohydrates in a bland, easily digestible form. Boil a chicken breast and chop it up, mixing it with cooked rice. Serve it unseasoned in several small meals throughout the day. According to VeterinaryPetCare.com, on the third day you can introduce the cat's regular food, mixing half with the bland chicken and rice meal. If the cat is still having diarrhea, you should consult your veterinarian.