Q&A for How to Stop Your Cat's Diarrhea

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  • Question
    Can you give a cat Imodium for diarrhea?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    It's a bad idea to give Imodium to cats. Diarrhea is a way of eliminating toxins from the system. Giving something that shuts the gut down means the cat retains the bacteria or toxins within the intestine that are better gotten rid of.
  • Question
    My kitten got diarrhea after a change of diet. She improved, but now the diarrhea has returned and she's having accidents outside the litter tray. What should I do?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Persistent diarrhea in kittens can be dangerous and is often the result of a parasite or infection, which needs veterinary treatment. In the meantime, give her bland food, such as white meat and boiled white rice or pasta. Do not give her milk. If she isn't wormed, then give her a gentle wormer. If the problem persists, collect a fecal sample for the vet to send off for analysis so that the vet can prescribe a treatment.
  • Question
    Do cats get diarrhea from worms?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Yes, worms can cause diarrhea in cats. They irritate the bowel lining, causing inflammation and interfering with how the gut digests food.
  • Question
    My cat has diarrhea and looks dehydrated. What should I do?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    If the cat is losing more fluid in the diarrhea than she is drinking, she'll become dehydrated. This is potentially dangerous. Make a vet appointment to treat the diarrhea. In the meantime, gently syringe water or Pedialyte into her mouth, giving a teaspoon (5ml) or more every 30 minutes. Do not give her milk, and offer her bland food to eat, such as chicken and rice.
  • Question
    What can you give a cat to stop diarrhea?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Offer the cat a bland diet of cooked white meat with a little boiled white rice. Mix in some feline probiotics (these are different from human probiotics). If the problem persists, see a vet.
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