Diarrhea Medicine for a Cat

Feline diarrhea is a serious condition causing cats to produce watery, loose stools. Diarrhea may cause vomiting, appetite loss, abdominal pain or even bloody stools. Your cat may get diarrhea for many reasons, including infections, parasites, inflammatory bowel disease or change in diet. Veterinary treatment is recommended for feline diarrhea, and this treatment often includes the use of prescription or over-the-counter medications.

  1. Pectin and Kaolin

    • A medication formulated for feline diarrhea, such as Lambert Kay Pet-Pectillin Diarrhea Medication for Dogs &Cats, contains the ingredients pectin and kaolin, which are effective in treating feline diarrhea. Make sure that the medication contains no salicylates, and closely follow the administration directions on the package. A typical dosage of this type of medication is 1-2 tsp. per 10 lbs. of body weight every six hours until diarrhea subsides.

    Loperamide (Veterinary Reccommended Only)

    • Brand names of loperamide include Immodium, Immodium AD, Pepto Diarrhea Control or Kaopectate II Caplets. These medications are used widely in treatment of canine diarrhea, but they are often considered dangerous for use in cats. Only use these medications if recommended by your veterinarian; under close supervision by a veterinarian; and exactly as your veterinarian directs you to use them.

    Bismuth Subsalicylate

    • Also known as Bismukote, Corrective Suspension and Pepto-Bismol, this medication is approved for cats. However, it still requires close veterinary supervision, because using an improper dosage can be harmful or even deadly to your cat.

    Antibiotics

    • Every cat has beneficial bacteria in the intestines that aids in digestive health. Antibiotics are used as a last resort for diarrhea treatment, because they change the balance of these bacteria in the digestive tract. However, antibiotics are effective in treating campylobacter, clostridium and giardia, strains of bacteria that cause feline diarrhea.