Digestive Disorders In Cats: The Main Problems

Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation… Digestive disorders that can affect a cat are numerous. Most of the time, it is possible to relieve your pet, but sometimes it is necessary to contact a veterinarian for advice or to make an appointment. What are the most common digestive disorders in cats? How to react ? Here are all our tips.

Cat’S Diarrhea

What Are The Causes Of Diarrhea In Cats?

Diarrhea is characterized by loose or liquid stools. In the vast majority of cases, the diarrhea is not serious. This is a completely normal reaction that can have various origins. Eating disorders are the main cause of diarrhea. The latter can intervene in the event of a change of diet. If you change kibble or types of food, your feline’s body can take up to ten days to get used to it.

Some cats, because they are too curious or too gluttonous, tend to eat anything. This may include:

• foods that are dangerous or toxic to them,
• spoiled food,
• small animals sometimes decomposing,
• small objects.

Eating these foods can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. This is also the case of intestinal parasites or even stress. The latter can occur following a move, a period of custody, the departure of a loved one or the arrival of another animal.

How To Treat Diarrhea In Cats?

In the event of diarrhea, the severity of the cat’s condition must be assessed. If your pet does not seem to be too affected by his digestive problems, there is no point in contacting a veterinarian. Make sure he has fresh, clean water available and avoid feeding him for 24 hours. Then give small portions.

If you find that your cat is weaker, less active, or still hot, then you should be concerned. The same is true if the diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours. Contact your veterinarian, inform him about your cat’s state of health and follow his advice.

If the diarrhea is caused by intestinal parasites, the first thing to do is to deworm your cat. As a reminder, a cat must be dewormed every month until it is 6 months old and then every 3 months. Both external and internal parasites should be treated.

Should You Be Worried If There Is Blood In The Cat’S Stool?

In case of diarrhea, it is possible to notice the presence of blood in the stool. Don’t worry, it’s not always serious. Sometimes blood in the stool reveals intestinal irritation or the presence of parasites.

Blood in the stool can also be a sign of a more serious disorder such as:

• hemorrhagic gastroenteritis,
• a benign or cancerous tumor,
• the presence of a foreign body,
• food poisoning,
• blood loss.

If the bloody stools are abundant, consult a veterinarian without delay!

Cat Constipation

Constipation is characterized by difficulty passing stools. In cats as in humans, it results in infrequent and hard stools. Constipation is very common in some cats. Among them :

• indoor cats,
• sedentary cats,
• cats that eat only kibble,
• cats suffering from overweight or obesity.

Constipation is not serious but it must be taken care of to ensure the well-being of the animal and to reduce the risk of constipation. To boost digestion, it is recommended to give more fiber to the cat, by mixing cooked zucchini with its meal for example. It is also necessary to ensure that the cat consumes enough fiber each day.

Taking a laxative is possible but only if the new diet does not work. These drugs should be advised by a veterinarian. Never give a laxative intended for men or dogs! The dosage is different.

Cat Vomiting

What Causes Cat Vomiting?

After diarrhea, vomiting is a very common digestive disorder. They too can be harmless. This is the case if your cat vomits hairballs or ate something that did not pass. Digestive parasites can also be involved. These worms cause vomiting and can be accompanied by diarrhea. Also not serious, cat vomiting can be explained by gastritis and more particularly those of allergic origin. In this case, it is necessary to identify the allergen which can be milk or cereals.

Some causes of vomiting have a higher level of severity. It’s about :

• tumors,
• chronic conditions,
• food poisoning,
• neurological disorders.

How To Treat Vomiting In Cats?

Just like with diarrhea, you shouldn’t worry about a cat vomiting if it seems well. If you notice that your cat regularly vomits hairballs, it is necessary to favor adapted kibbles. It is also possible to give it a punctual treatment. it is offered in the form of a gel and promotes the elimination of hair.

In case of gastritis, it is necessary to reduce the intake of irritating foods. It is also recommended to offer several small meals during the day. This process makes it easier to digest. Gastric worms can be treated with a dewormer. If vomiting persists, we recommend that you contact a veterinarian. Depending on the symptoms described, he will advise you or suggest an appointment for your cat.

When To Consult To Make An Appointment With The Veterinarian?

Digestive disorders in cats are multiple and the severity varies from one cat to another. Here are some guidelines for when to see a veterinarian. Make an appointment if:

• diarrhea, constipation or vomiting lasts more than 48 hours,
• the cat is weakening,
• symptoms worsen
• several signs are combined.

Rest assured, more often than not, it is easy to treat digestive disorders. However, once the symptoms have disappeared, time must be taken to identify the causes. In case of allergies or intolerances, changes in the cat’s diet must be made. The veterinarian who follows your animal can help you!