My new cat has diarrea...what can I give her?

Question

She use to eat soft cat food by her previous owners but I give her hard cat food.She has alot of gas.....what can I give her?Like Pepto Bismol....Lol

Answer 1

Hi there.....Under no circumstances is it wise to give any type human medicines to a cat as this can be very lethal. Pepto Bismol contains salicylic acid (aspirin) which can be fatal to cats. Cats metabolize medications differently than humans and dogs. Diarrhoea in cats can be caused by multiple things:

Sudden changes in food brands, types will contribute to diarrhoea symtoms as well. So as soon as your new kitty starts on the cat food she may have lingering symtpoms. For more on this: http://www.thepetcenter.com/exa/diarrhea . Any vet can confirm this fact. Switching foods should be done gradually over a course of several weeks. For example the first week would consist of 3/4 of old food mixed to 1/4 of new food then the next week 1/2 to 1/2 then the following week at 1/4 old to 3/4 new before completing the switch. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?articleid=99

Other causes for diarrhoea:
Diary products: cats do not have the proper enzymes to properly break down the sugar in milk which is called 'lactose.' You may have heard of people who are lactose-intolerant. They are also missing these digestive enzymes. If the proper enzymes are not present, the lactose remains undigested and tends to ferment in the intestine and cause diarrhea.
For More on Milk and cats: http://www.cat-world.com.au/CatMilk.htm

Another culprit that could which can contribute to diarrhoea in cats/kittens may be various parasites/worms (coccidia, giardia, roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, etc). There are different types of dewormers for each of the types of parasites. Therefore consider a vet visit to have her dewormed since some of the over the counter treatments do not eliminate all the types of parasites. For more on feline parasites:
http://www.peteducation.com:80/category_summary.cfm?cls=1&cat=1357

For more on causes of Diarrhoea: http://www.fabcats.org/diarrhoea.html

Contrary to what people believe canned food is helpful for cats with diarrhoea as this is a symptomatic of dehydration. Canned diets can supplement the intake of moisture so having both dry and canned are helpful. Any vet can confirm this fact.

Canned pumpkin (without spices) will also help firm up the loose stool symptoms: http://www.pets.ca/pettips/tips-75.htm

The above are just only a few causes as there are many more that can also cause diarrhoea such as diseases, illnesses, etc. Therefore, it is always recommended to consider contacting a vet and discussing if a visit is necessary for treatment.

Answer 2

When a cat has loose stool its usually due to diet. Always change food very slowly, mixing the food you want to feed into what the cat has already been eatting. Also, try to feed food with very little carbohydrates and especially NO CORN! Cats are obligate carnivores and do not need things like corn and wheat in their diets. There are many grain-free high quality foods out there. To help firm up loose stool mix some pure pumpkin puree in with some high quality wet food along with some plain yougurt to help introduce some good bacteria into their stomach. If this does not help then fast your cat for a day or so to let her system calm down and then introduce the above mixture slowly. If that does not help definately take your cat to the vet because she may have a parasite. Pay special attention if she stops eating and drinking totally, its VERY easy for a cat to get dehydrated. If she stops eating and drinking take her to the vet ASAP.

Answer 3

A cat or kitten can become dehydrated very quickly which can cause an electrolyte imbalance and affect the heart.
You should have a proper vet checkup ASAP.
He could have an illness or parasites or food imbalance.
Our ktten was very ill when we first got him and our speedy trip to the vet saved his life.
Then get him on a decent food like Science Diet and don't switch around the foods so much. We feed dry and canned so there are choices and use some hairball remedy treats too after he's well.
Lots of fresh water is essential.

Answer 4

The change in diet could definitely be contributing, but she should adjust to that within a few days. In addition to being consistent with what you are feeding her, make sure you are not giving her any milk. Many new cat owners are not aware of the fact that cow's milk is extremely hard on a cat's digestive system. Some cats react more easily than others, but if you keep her diet consistent and limit the liquids to water only, she should be fine soon, provided there are no other health issues. If she keeps it up be sure to take her to your vet.

Answer 5

You might consider switching back to her old moist canned food and gradually introduce the dry kibble. Many cats cannot tolerate adrastic change in diet without a bout of diarrhea. Make sure that the kitty is well hydrated while her stools are soft. But if I were you, I'd get her back on her old wet food for a few days. Then give a bit of kibble either mixed in with the wet foof or by itself.

Answer 6

Oh yes! All the time lol, it makes me jump up with fright and say sorry (cats name) and then I realise it is just one of the cats rubber balls that I am stepping on. It is so funny when that happens! lol

Answer 7

perhaps just water for a day or so then slowly introduce hard food moistened a bit by water and make it dry as each day goes on.just sounds like a change of diet upsetting her stomach

Answer 8

my cat had the same problem. my vet said this happens when you switch their food. keep your cat on a regular type of food (only give one kind of hard food). my vet also said they dont give anything to cats for diahhrea. at least, thats what they told me. good luck. wait it out ha ha.

Answer 9

ur best bet is to take ur cat to the vet's just in case somethink is wrong she mite have pick a bad bug up from outside good luck

Answer 10

Don't laugh! The humane society told me to give my new cat kaopectate....although I'm not sure about the dosage so be EXTRA careful.