How to Treat Feline Diarrhea Caused by Antibiotics

Your cat wasn̵7;t feeling well and like any responsible pet owner, you took her to the veterinarian. The doctor placed her on antibiotics, but now it seems as though she has diarrhea, which she didn̵7;t have before. Just as with humans, cats can have abdominal upset from certain medications. Fortunately, it is fairly easy to clear up the diarrhea and get your kitty feeling good again.

Things You'll Need

  • Yogurt
  • Bacterial gel paste
  • Anti-diarrhea medication
  • Fluids
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Instructions

    • 1

      Give your kitty yogurt or bacterial gel pastes. When your cat takes antibiotics, the medication not only kills the bad bacteria that is in the intestines, it kills the good bacteria as well. This can cause the intestines to become unbalanced and can result in diarrhea. Giving your cat good bacteria in the form of yogurt and bacterial gel can replace the missing good bacteria and can settle the cat̵7;s stomach. Speak with your veterinarian about how much to give, as it is based on the cat̵7;s weight.

    • 2

      Lower the dose of medication. Consult with your veterinarian to see if it is advisable to lower the amount of antibiotics that you are giving your cat. Sometimes giving smaller doses of the medication more frequently can help. For example, instead of giving your cat one-and-a-half tablets twice a day, it may be easier on the cat̵7;s stomach to give one tablet three times a day.

    • 3

      Stop giving the medication. Speak with your kitty̵7;s doctor to see if you can stop the current medication and switch to another. Although your cat may react adversely to one type of antibiotic, that does not mean that he won̵7;t respond well to another. Do not stop the antibiotics without first checking with the vet, as some types of medications need to be weaned down.

    • 4

      Give your cat an anti-diarrhea medication, if prescribed by the veterinarian. Some doctors will place cats on medication that will help to heal the stomach and in turn, stop the diarrhea. In addition, if the cat has become dehydrated, it is important to administer fluids to the cat, either intravenously or subcutaneously ̵1; whichever the doctor recommends.