What Over the Counter Medicine Can I Give My Cat & Kitten for Diarrhea?

A number of over-the-counter remedies can be purchased at most local drug stores to treat the symptoms of feline diarrhea. Some medicines can be problematic for your cat, however; seek veterinary advice if you are unsure which remedy to use.

  1. Identification

    • Before administering medicine to your cat or kitten, it is important to make sure you have correctly diagnosed diarrhea. Typical signs include stool that is yellow, watery and much more awful-smelling than normal.

    Pectin/Kaolin

    • Several over-the-counter medicines are available for treating cat diarrhea. Lambert Kay Pet-Pectillin Diarrhea Medication for Cats and Dogs is a medicine that contains pectin and kaolin, both ingredients used to treat diarrhea. Dosage is up to two teaspoons per 10 pounds of body weight.

    Vet Supervision

    • Some over-the-counter medicines should be used only under the supervision of a veterinarian. A loperamide, such as Immodium or Pepto Diarrhea Control, can treat an organism that enters your cat's body and causes diarrhea. Bismuth subsalicylate, such as Pepto-Bismol, is effective in coating the cat's stomach lining, although it should be used only under veterinarian supervision.

    Natural Medicine

    • RunnyPoo Relief is a type of natural medicine that can be used to treat feline diarrhea. Its herbal and homeopathic ingredients help restore gastrointestinal balance, although a pet owner should seek veterinary advice prior to administering it.

    Warning

    • Diarrhea symptoms that last more than 24 hours should be examined by a veterinarian. Prolonged symptoms may necessitate antibiotics or intravenous fluid rehydration that only a vet can provide.