Natural Cures for Cat Diarrhea

Cats will often have a day-long bout of diarrhea with no serious side effects. This can be caused by eating foods that are difficult to digest--such as dairy products--or by a hairball. If your cat's diarrhea has just begun and your cat doesn't have other symptoms that might indicate a more serious illness, you can try treating the condition at home with a natural cures. If the cat's condition doesn't improve by the next day, however, your pet should be seen by a veterinarian.

  1. Indoors

    • Keep your cat indoors until the diarrhea has resolved and you're sure your cat is no longer ill. This will also give you the opportunity to monitor your cat's litter box activity. If your cat has blood in her stool, if the stool is very black and tarry or if the cat is straining to defecate, don't wait to see if home treatment and natural remedies will resolve the condition. These could be symptoms of a serious illness and the cat needs to be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

    Water

    • Dehydration is always a primary concern when a cat is experiencing a bout of diarrhea. Ensure you cat is getting plenty of fluids and that his electrolytes don't get out of balance. Adding a bit of Pedialyte or Gatorade to his water bowl may help to ensure the cat doesn't become dehydrated. However, make sure the electrolyte replacement solutions don't put your cat off from drinking and cause more harm than good. If the cat refuses to drink the water with the additives, just offer her plain, fresh, clean water.

    Fasting

    • A short fast is generally the best way to resolve a case of feline diarrhea when no underlying condition is the cause. Do not let your cat fast for more than 12 to 24 hours. Cats can develop a serious liver condition if they go without calories for too long. The general recommendation is to remove all food for 12 hours. After this, reintroduce food to your cat with small, frequent meals of bland meat, such as boiled chicken. At the end of 24 hours, offer your cat the boiled chicken mixed with her regular food. Gradually, over the course of a few feedings, reduce the chicken and increase the regular cat food until the cat is back on her normal diet.