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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Diarrhea is a symptom of many different diseases in cats. Some are serious, but a few will get better with a little home treatment.If over the counter medication is an option, the four main options are:Anti-bacterial medicationsProbioticsDietHydration SupplementsIf your cat has had just a few episodes of diarrhea but seems to feel fine otherwise, you can try some over the counter medicine. However, if your cat is very young, very old, or has a health condition that makes even mild diarrhea risky, home treatment is NOT a good idea.Cat Diarrhea: When to Call Your VeterinarianWhat Causes Diarrhea in Cats?Over the Counter Medicine for Cat Diarrhea: The 4 Types1. Anti-Diarrheal Medications2. Probiotics3. Diet4. Hydration SupplementsAdditional Resources On Cat DiarrheaCat Diarrhea: When to Call Your VeterinarianSymptoms that tell you it’s time to call the veterinarian include:Severe diarrheaDiarrhea that has been present for more than a day or twoBloody diarrhea (partially digested blood looks dark and tarry)Diarrhea combined with vomitingAbdominal painWeaknessChanges in a cat’s behavior or level of awarenessA poor appetiteA loss of interest in drinking waterWhat Causes Diarrhea in Cats?Cats can develop diarrhea for many different reasons, including:Eating a new food or something unusualIntestinal parasitesInflammatory bowel diseaseSwallowing something that can’t be digested like string or bonesViral, bacterial, or fungal infectionsKidney diseaseLiver failurePancreatitisHyperthyroidismHeart failureDiabetesFood allergies and other adverse food reactionsExposure to some types of toxinsDrug side effectsCancerand moreIf your cat has severe or chronic diarrhea, your veterinarian will need to determine its underlying cause. They will start the diagnostic work-up by taking a thorough health history and performing a physical examination. This is usually followed by diagnostic testing, which may include fecal examinations, blood work, a urinalysis, x-rays, abdominal ultrasound, specialized laboratory tests, and even exploratory surgery or endoscopy and tissue biopsies.But if your cat has just had diarrhea for a day or two and seems to feel fine otherwise, you can try some home treatment. The following over the counter options are safe for cats.1. Anti-Diarrheal MedicationsKaolin-pectin is the safest over the counter anti-diarrheal medication for cats. Many others, like loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol) can be very dangerous. Some human anti-diarrheal medications that look like they should contain kaolin-pectin (Kaopectate, for example) actually are made with other ingredients that are dangerous for cats. To be safe, only give your cat an anti-diarrheal medication that is specifically labeled for use in cats. One cat-friendly product, Pro-Pectalin, contains both kaolin-pectin and probiotics.2. ProbioticsProbiotics are microorganisms that are normally found in a cat’s digestive tract. Probiotic bacteria and yeast promote gut health and function. Whatever the cause of a cat’s diarrhea, giving a probiotic can help get things back to normal. Look for probiotics that are designed specifically for pets and that
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