Treatment for Chronic Feline Diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea can be a dangerous condition and a visit to the veterinarian is the best course of action. A cat suffering from consistent diarrhea is in danger of becoming dehydrated.
  1. Identify

    • A feline with chronic diarrhea will have stool that is watery, dark brown and may contain blood and mucus. A chronic case of diarrhea in your cat is one that occurs regularly and is not a one-time incident, according to North Carolina State University.

    Causes

    • The cat may be suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, sensitivity to the food in his diet, parasites, tumors or may have been exposed to something toxic. Treatment begins with a thorough examination to find the cause of the condition.

    Treatments

    • Once a diagnosis is made, the treatment can focus on eliminating parasites, removing tumors, medications for irritable bowel syndrome and in some cases surgery to treat bowel disease or an obstruction. When there is no definitive diagnosis, treatment involves keeping the cat hydrated and making changes to the diet to improve the condition.

    Prevention

    • Prevention can be difficult because of the many conditions that can cause chronic diarrhea in your cat, but a healthy diet low in fat and high in nutrition helps digestion, according to PetMD. Regular veterinary care for your pet is essential to good health and treating illnesses as soon as possible to avoid progression of illness and disease.

    Warning

    • Diarrhea can be a symptom of a serious underlying medical condition that requires veterinary care. A cat experiencing chronic diarrhea can become dehydrated, which may lead to death if not treated immediately.