New Cat with Diarrhea
A friend of
mine had a cat adopt her. She has never had cats before. Anyway, this cat
has developed diarrhea and has had it for several days. She has no way to
take it to the veterinarian in her area (she lives about an hour from me
and way out in the country). What can she do to try to help the cat until
she can find a way to get it to a clinic? Thanks for your help!
Cats, like
dogs, humans and other animals, have many causes of diarrhea.
Nervousness, parasites, infections, cancers, toxins, diet, and other
factors should be considered. Dietary changes are most likely the cause
of loose stools in recently acquired, healthy cats. Parasites, such as
coccidia and roundworms are likely in cats from the pound and cats that
live outdoors. Cats that have loose stools for less than 24 hours, and
seem fine otherwise, do not usually need any veterinary attention. If
the diarrhea persists into the second day, or if the cat looks or acts
sick, or if the stool had blood or excessive mucus, then a veterinarian
is needed. In addition to a thorough examination of your feline friend,
a complete fecal examination is essential. Be sure to have a fresh
fecal sample for your veterinarian when the cat is examined. Over the
counter remedies are usually ineffective, and even harmful for cats,
and should be avoided.
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