Diarrhoea in Cats |
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Symptoms Pungent, liquid-like faeces; these may be passed frequently, necessitating many trips to the litter tray, or appear as 'accidents' around the home. If your cat is suffering from colitis (an inflammation of the colon), his faeces will contain quite a lot of mucus and bright red blood. Another symptom of colitis is tenesmus, where the cat strains to defecate; this latter symptom is often mistaken for a symptom of constipation. Diarrhoea often leads to dehydration, so your cat may appear slightly disorientated. Causes Diarrhoea may simply be a symptom of overeating or stress. Intestinal worms are a common cause of diarrhoea, as are foreign bodies in the digestive system and fungal infections. What to do Prevent the cat from eating anything, but ensure that he is given adequate amounts of drinking water. If the diarrhoea is acute, provide the cat with a rehydrating fluid (see First-aid kit on page 157) and contact the vet. Keep your cat where you can see him, covering the floor with newspapers, or something similar, to keep your home clean. Note the times of his motions, and also the consistency, colour and quantity of the diarrhoea. By doing this, you will help the vet to find the cause of the sudden diarrhoea, and to treat the problem effectively. Treatment The treatment for diarrhoea depends upon the underlying cause. If it is due to internal parasites, then anthelmintics (wormers) will be used to rid the cat of the infestation, while antibiotics will be used for infections. Diarrhoea can cause the cat to dehydrate, and can lead to irreparable body damage (particularly of the kidneys) and even death. In all cases of severe diarrhoea (where overeating is not the cause), if it persists, or if there is blood in the motions, consult your vet immediately so the cat can be treated at once. << Previous Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) | Back to Cat Health | Next >> Ear Canker (otitis) in Cats 
elbodesign (Listing Id 45)
1 Female burmese X (7 year old) and her younger (6 year old) Russian Blue X brother. Both are desexed indoor/outdoor cats and a fine with dogs. The... "For Sale" |
