Cats and kittens can be prone to diarrhea for many different reasons. A single incident of diarrhea is usually nothing to worry about, but for chronic diarrhea the cause must be determined in order to provide the best cure. It's very important to keep in mind that diarrhea is often the body's way of attempting to expel parasites or bacterial overgrowth. Diarrhea is not an illness, but a symptom, and its underlying cause needs to be addressed. Giving a cat something to stop the diarrhea--especially medicines intended for humans--can be harmful or fatal.
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Diarrhea in Kittens
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Kitten diarrhea is not uncommon, and can be frustrating to diagnose and treat. It needs to be addressed promptly, especially if the kitten stops eating or drinking. Kittens can get dangerously dehydrated very quickly.Even if your kitten has been wormed, bring a fecal sample with the kitten to your vet for evaluation. Home remedies are unlikely to work for worms, viruses or a bacterial overgrowth, and some potentially serious illnesses including feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus can cause persistent diarrhea.
Often diarrhea is due to parasites, and worming the kitten will cure it--it may take more than one dose of wormer. Fenbendazole (Panacur) is a common, broad-spectrum dewormer. Many kittens are intolerant or allergic to milk, or to ingredients in their cat food, and will benefit from a medium-fiber, low-residue prescription cat food until their systems have normalized. Other medications for diarrhea may include antibiotics for bacterial infections, loperamide (Immodium) to control intestinal motility and steroids to reduce inflammation in the intestinal tract.
Diarrhea in Adult Cats
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Adult cats can get diarrhea for the same reasons as kittens. In adult cats causes can also include hairball obstructions, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and cancer. Unlike kittens, adult cats can withstand withdrawal of food for a day or two. If your cat has diarrhea but is otherwise acting normally, you can try withholding food for 12 to 24 hours to allow his system to rest. Make sure he has plenty of water to drink. Then feed him small meals of well-cooked white rice and cooked chicken. The rice provides moisture and bulk that can absorb excess water in the colon and can cure diarrhea in mild cases. You may also add a teaspoon of over-the-counter fiber, which will also help reduce diarrhea.
If your cat has been on a recent course of antibiotics, it can be helpful to add some probiotics or "good" bacteria to his food to replenish intestinal flora. Antibiotics kill beneficial bacteria along with harmful bacteria and often cause diarrhea. A teaspoon of plain yogurt with each meal can help. There are also commercial probiotics available for pets available through your veterinarian or at pet stores.
If the diarrhea persists for more than three days, or your cat has any other symptoms of illness, take him and, if possible, a fecal sample, to your veterinarian. The cure will depend on what is causing the diarrhea. Your veterinarian may want to do a complete check-up, including blood work, to figure out what is going on.
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