How to Treat a Cat That has Diarrhea: Tips and Guidelines

Cat care involves occasional unpleasant issues such as diarrhea. This condition usually is minor and temporary, and a little tender loving care from you can help your cat recover quickly.

Diarrhea is a commonly encountered problem that occurs when food is passed through the intestine too rapidly. It can be caused by allergies, milk, worms, spoiled food, or plants. There are also more serious causes such as tumors, viral infections, and diseases of the liver, pancreas, and kidney. It is important to seek professional help if your cat's diarrhea includes blood or your cat experiences severe depression or abdominal pain.

If your cat is experiencing a minor case of diarrhea, use the following cat care tips:

Step 1: Remove all of the cat's food for at least 12 to 24 hours. Water is important to prevent cat dehydration during severe diarrhea. It should not be removed.

Step 2: If blood appears or if diarrhea continues for more than 24 hours, contact the veterinarian.

Step 3: After 12 to 24 hours, feed the cat a mixture of small quantities of boiled chicken breasts, skinned and boned, with rice (a 50:50 mixture). Alternately, chicken baby food may be substituted. This diet should continue until stools are formed. Gradually mix in regular cat food, reducing the chicken and rice amounts and increasing the regular cat food amounts.

Step 4: Your veterinarian may want you to start the cat an oral antidiarrheal medication. Do not use any medication unless instructed to do so.