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Diarrhea and vomiting in cats can be caused by a variety of things, including infections, parasites, food intolerance, or even stress. Whatever the cause, it’s important to get to the bottom of it and make sure your cat is on the mend as soon as possible.
One of the most important considerations when dealing with diarrhea and vomiting in cats is their diet. What you feed your cat is essential for helping them to recover. . A cat’s diet is an important part of its overall health and can have a major impact on its digestive system.
When a cat has diarrhea and vomiting, it is important to feed them foods that are easy to digest and that will help reduce their symptoms.
In this article, we will discuss what to feed a cat with diarrhea and vomiting, as well as how to transition them back to its regular diet.
Causes of Cat Diarrhea and Vomiting
There are many potential causes of diarrhea and vomiting in cats, including:
- Dietary indiscretion
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Parasites
- Medication side effects
In some cases, the underlying cause may be difficult to determine. As such, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of Cat Diarrhea and Vomiting
The signs of diarrhea and vomiting in cats can vary greatly depending on the underlying cause. Depending on the severity of the condition, you may see several symptoms. Common signs include:
- Diarrhea – which may range from soft and mushy to watery
- Vomiting – which may include bile, foam, or undigested food
- Lethargy or decreased activity level
- Lack of appetite or refusal to eat
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Fever
If your cat is experiencing frequent episodes of diarrhea outside the litter box and vomiting, it is important to have them examined by a veterinarian to rule out any serious medical issues.
Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests such as blood work, urinalysis, or imaging to determine the underlying cause of your cat’s symptoms.
Treatment will depend on the cause but may include medications, dietary changes, or other therapies. It is important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully to ensure the best outcome for your cat.
Tips for Feeding a Cat with Diarrhea and Vomiting
When a cat is suffering from diarrhea and vomiting, it is important to adjust its diet accordingly to help them recover. In the immediate term, it is best to withhold food for 12-24 hours to allow the gastrointestinal tract to rest.
After that period, a diet of bland, low-fat foods can be reintroduced. This is particularly important when the vomiting and diarrhea are caused by dietary indiscretion or food intolerance. Feed your cat a diet that is easy to digest and contains a moderate amount of fiber. A diet consisting of high-quality, low-fat, and highly digestible proteins.
Examples of suitable foods include boiled chicken and rice, boiled white fish, scrambled eggs, and cottage cheese.
Additionally, it may be beneficial to feed foods that are rich in probiotics, such as yogurt, to help restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. Furthermore, it may be beneficial to feed canned or homemade diets that are low in fat, and contain moderate levels of fiber.
If a cat is suffering from chronic diarrhea and vomiting, it is important to consult a veterinarian to identify the underlying cause and find an appropriate dietary solution.
In some cases, the veterinarian may recommend a prescription diet.
Foods to Avoid When Feeding a Cat with Diarrhea and Vomiting
When offering food to a cat with diarrhea and vomiting, it is important to avoid any foods that could make the condition worse.
- This includes foods that are high in fat, sugar, or spices as these can be difficult to digest.
- Additionally, avoid giving your cat any table scraps as these are often not balanced meals.
- Additionally, it is best to avoid offering raw or undercooked meats, which could contain harmful bacteria.
- It is also important to avoid giving your cat any dairy products, as cats are lactose intolerant and dairy can cause digestive issues.
- Additionally, avoid giving your cat any food that has been sitting out for a long period, as this can cause food poisoning.
- Finally, avoid giving your cat any food that has been heavily processed, as this can contain unhealthy additives.
How to Help Your Cat Recover from Diarrhea and Vomiting
In addition to providing a balanced diet, there are several other steps you can take to help your cat recover from diarrhea and vomiting.
- Make sure your cat has access to plenty of clean water and try to limit their activity level until they have recovered.
- Additionally, you may need to modify their environment by removing any potential toxins or irritants.
- Provide a good litter box for a cat with diarrhea.
- Finally, try to provide a consistent routine for your cat which may help reduce stress levels.
It is also important to monitor your cat’s symptoms and contact your veterinarian if the condition does not improve or worsens.
Your veterinarian may recommend additional treatments such as medications or dietary changes to help your cat recover. Additionally, if your cat is exhibiting signs of dehydration, your veterinarian may recommend subcutaneous fluids to help restore electrolyte balance.
When to Seek Veterinary Care for a Cat with Diarrhea and Vomiting
If your cat is exhibiting any signs of diarrhea and vomiting for more than 24 hours, it is important to contact your veterinarian. Additionally, if the symptoms become worse or new symptoms appear, such as blood-stained stool, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. Your veterinarian can help diagnose the underlying cause of the symptoms and provide appropriate treatment.
It is also important to monitor your cat for signs of dehydration, such as decreased energy, dry gums, and sunken eyes. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to seek veterinary care right away. Your veterinarian can provide supportive care, such as fluids, to help your cat recover.
