El Vomiting and diarrhea in cats are he alth disorders that we can come across relatively frequently. In this article on our site we are going to review the most common causes behind this digestive condition.
We will explain what treatment we can follow at home and what situations should make us run to the center veterinary We must bear in mind that vomiting and diarrhea are not always the result of gastroenteritis. Likewise, in kittens they can be symptoms of viral diseases.
Causes of vomiting and diarrhea in cats
In this section we are going to talk about vomiting and diarrhea in adult cats. At the end of the article we will focus on kittens, since they have some peculiarities. In general, when a cat has diarrhea and vomiting, at the same time or separately, it is easy to think that it is a digestive disorder. A change in diet, stress from a visit to the vet, or the presence of a hairball are cited among the most likely causes of vomiting and diarrhea in cats. These types of mild cases are what we can treat at home.
Yellow vomit and diarrhea in cats is usually the most common picture in these cases. The yellow color is due to bile that continues to be excreted into an empty stomachAs for diarrhea, it can also be just a slight decomposition. That is, loose stools, but they do not have to occur with an increased frequency.
Of course, if this condition does not subside or we detect any other symptom such as dehydration or fever, we cannot limit ourselves to home remedies. You have to go to the vet. The same if blood appears in any of the fluids or our cat is small, very old or already has some other pathology.
If this picture persists we could be facing the so-called inflammatory bowel disease Therefore, if the cat suffers from vomiting and diarrhea for weeks, even if they appear intermittently, you have to go to the vet. In addition, vomiting and, to a lesser extent, diarrhea can also be associated with kidney disease. It is a failure in the functioning of the kidneys that, in general, is accompanied by changes in water intake and urine excretion and weight loss.
Another possible cause of this picture is Food intolerances or allergies Therefore, although we can treat the most minor digestive disorders at home, if they do not subside in a few days, you should go to the vet to determine the cause of the problem.
Treatment of vomiting and diarrhea in cats
An episode of vomiting and diarrhoea, without other symptoms, usually subsides on its own without the need for any treatment. If we go to the vet and he determines a digestive cause such as gastroenteritis, he will probably prescribe an antibiotic. Depending on the severity of the condition, it may be necessary to replace fluids by supplying serum.
Especially in the most serious cases where the cat becomes dehydrated and is unable to eat or drink on its own, this will have to be administered intravenously, which means the hospitalization of the patient. Once recovered, power will be restored gradually.
Inflammatory bowel disease requires a detailed study, since its treatment is more complex. On the other hand, if the vomiting and diarrhea are due to kidney failure, the veterinarian will recommend a specific diet and drugs appropriate to the symptoms shown by the cat. Specially formulated wet food is available for sale for cats that have experienced vomiting and diarrhea, as well as for those with allergies or food intolerances
Home remedies against vomiting and diarrhea in cats
If the cat vomits or has diarrhea we can start by trying to find out what is causing it to eliminate the cause. For example, if has eaten leftovers, we will take extreme precautions so that it does not happen again. In these milder cases, which are the only ones that we can treat at home, it is usually enough to withdraw water and food for a few hours
Afterwards, we can offer the cat water and, if it tolerates it, we will move on to a small amount of food. A soft food that we can choose is homemade. A piece of cooked chicken or white fish, without s alt or sauces, is a very good option. It is also recommended for more serious cases, complementing veterinary treatment. The warm food will encourage cats that are inappetent to eat. We can take advantage of the cooking water to give it to drink.
Within a few days the cat should be able to go back to his usual food without the vomiting or diarrhea returning. Remember that these measures help to overcome a transitory state of diarrhea and vomiting. If there is some disease or situation that triggers them, they will not be cured with diet alone. It will be essential the diagnosis and treatment of the veterinarian
Bloody vomiting and diarrhea in cats
If vomiting and diarrhea in cats is bloody, we always have to consider it a veterinary emergency. Poisoning, for example, could be the cause and requires immediate clinical intervention. But the presence of blood can also correspond to panleukopenia
This viral disease is life-threatening and primarily affects young, unvaccinated kittens. It produces, in addition to vomiting and bloody diarrhea, dehydration, depression or fever. Hospitalization is usually required to provide supportive treatment. The prognosis is reserved.
Vomiting and diarrhea in baby cats
In a kitten, vomiting and diarrhea are always reason for veterinary consultationThis is so because, being more vulnerable, if they lose more fluids than they manage to replenish, they will suffer rapid dehydration that can become mortal Furthermore, in these small episodes of vomiting and diarrhea may be related to the presence of intestinal parasites. It can also happen in adults, but it is less frequent and, in any case, the picture will be milder.
It is important that cats are dewormed regularly. The products against these worms must begin to be administered after fifteen days of life. If we do not know if the kitten we have just adopted is dewormed or not, we should take it to the vet. In a faeces sample it is possible to locate the presence of these parasites. The veterinarian will offer us the most suitable drug against them and will tell us how often we should offer it.
It is very important that we do not deworm ourselvesa kitten with vomiting and diarrhea because we could further irritate his digestive system. Before giving him anything, the vet has to diagnose it. There are parasites, such as giardia, that will need antibiotic treatment, always prescribed by this professional.
