Who said that cats are cantankerous and barely need attention? This is a widespread but completely false myth. Cats can also become very attached to their owners and their body is also susceptible to multiple diseases.
Cats have a very delicate and sensitive digestive system that can react to excessive food intake, spoiled food or the famous hairballs. This can lead our beloved pet to suffer from gastroenteritis, which in most cases is mild and can even be treated at home in the absence of warning signs.
Do you want to know more about it? In this AnimalWised article we talk about the natural remedies for gastroenteritis in cats.
Gastroenteritis in cats
Gastroenteritis in cats is a situation characterized by an inflammatory state of the gastric and intestinal mucosa, which compromises the he alth of the whole the digestive system, and therefore affects our pet globally.
There can be several causes of feline gastroenteritis, but on many occasions it is due to the ingestion of spoiled food or the presence of a foreign body in the digestive system, such as, a ball of fur.
In these situations, gastroenteritis should be understood as a body's defense mechanism, a reaction that allows the digestive system to cleanse itself to be recovered later.
Fasting and Hydration
As owners we must try to ensure that our cat, through its hygienic-dietary habits, supports this reaction of its body so that it gastroenteritis heals spontaneously in a shorter period of time.
This implies that initially 24 hours without food will be necessary, in this way, all the energy required for digestion is used for that the digestive system can recover. What we must not neglect under any circumstances is hydration, since with the presence of vomiting and diarrhea our pet will lose a significant percentage of organic fluids.
The best option to maintain good hydration is to purchase a veterinary-grade oral rehydration solution.
Natural remedies for cats with gastroenteritis
Ensuring adequate hydration and restricting food for 24 hours is essential in the natural treatment of feline gastroenteritis, however, you also have other home remedies that may help you Of great usefulness:
- Plantago ovata seeds: These seeds are for human consumption but are also suitable for our pets. Its function is to regulate intestinal transit, in this case, we must provide half a teaspoon to a teaspoon daily. In the presence of diarrhoea, plantago ovata seeds act by absorbing water in the intestines and increasing the volume of stool, thus reducing symptoms and frequency of bowel movements.
- Probiotics: Probiotics will help regulate your cat's intestinal flora, this has a positive effect on the frequency of deposition feces, but also strengthens the immune structures located in the digestive system. Obviously, the probiotic must provide strains of bacteria naturally present in the cat's intestine, therefore, you should purchase this product in a specialized store.
- Nux Vomica: This is a homeopathic remedy that, when used in a 7 CH dilution, is very useful for reducing digestive symptoms, in both pets and humans. We will dilute 3 granules in 5 milliliters of water and administer this intake 3 times a day.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera is not toxic to cats and applied orally it will exert its anti-inflammatory properties on the digestive system. It is important to purchase pure aloe vera juice suitable for veterinary use. The daily dose is 1 milliliter per kg. of body weight.
Other tips for the natural treatment of feline gastroenteritis
Does your cat have a fever, presence of blood in the stool, abnormal coloration of the mucous membranes or generalized weakness? These should be interpreted as warning signs and in their presence you should go to the vet urgently.
In mild cases it is just as important to properly carry out the natural treatment as it is to gradually introduce the usual diet. Milk should be avoided at all costs as cats do not digest lactose well, ideally you should progressively give your cat highly digestible and low-fat foods, frequently but in small quantities.
