Included in this article:
Gastrointestinal problems in cats
The well-being of our furry friends is important to us – that’s why we also deal with the less appetizing aspects of living together: Gastrointestinal complaints accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea are not pleasant, but unfortunately not uncommon.
In most cases, it is quickly overcome – but an infection is not always harmless.
In this article, we will introduce you to the warning signs that should prompt you to go to the veterinary clinic immediately. You will also learn more about symptoms of gastrointestinal problems and how you can provide relief for your pet.
causes and risk factors
Cats need privacy when doing their business, both big and small. Gastrointestinal problems, however, usually do not remain a secret for long and you will have to take a look at your four-legged friend's excrement when cleaning the litter box. And that is necessary, because if your cat is constantly struggling with digestive problems, a trip to the vet is necessary.
If the consistency of the stool changes, it is not necessarily diarrhea. However, it is a sign that your animal is trying to fight a problem in the gastrointestinal tract and expel it from the body.
Where do gastrointestinal complaints come from?
Examples:
- Spoiled food (wet food in the bowl begins to spoil after just 20 minutes)
- Unsuitable food / sudden change in food
- intolerance / allergy
- Fatty snacks, leftovers
- Indigestible prey or plants (outdoor cats)
- Food containing milk, sugar or starch
- ingestion of foreign objects (e.g. toys)
- side effects of medications
- Food that is too cold
- trauma or stress
Observe your animal carefully and ensure that it has sufficient fluid intake - especially if your cat is suffering from diarrhea. If symptoms last longer than 2 days or your cat's behavior changes noticeably (lethargic, loss of appetite, etc.), you should consult a veterinarian.
Serious triggers can also be the cause of the symptoms: Despite regular deworming, an infection with parasites is one of the most common causes of
Diarrhea.
Other possible triggers:
- Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases
- viruses or bacteria
- renal or hepatic insufficiency
- poisoning
- hyperthyroidism
- tumors
Factor Stress in Cats
Cats react extremely sensitively to changes in their environment. The factors that trigger stress vary from animal to animal. It is therefore important to identify and eliminate potential stress factors . Recurring stress puts a strain on your cat's psyche and has a negative effect on its health - among other things, gastrointestinal problems can be the result.
Typical stress triggers:
- Relocation
- New roommates
- vet visit
- Noise
- Changes in the usual daily routine: strangers, new food, new furniture, changes in the territory
Signs of stress:
- Loud meowing, hissing
- crouched posture
- Constant cleaning
- hiding/escape
- restlessness
- aggressiveness
- Urinating/defecating outside the litter box
Consequences of recurring stress:
- Increased secretion of the hormone gastrin: stimulates stomach acid production and increases the risk of inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) or a stomach ulcer (symptoms: loss of appetite and vomiting)
- The number of leukocytes decreases under stress: susceptibility to infection increases (blood cells are responsible for the defense against pathogens)
What helps against stress?
In the best case scenario, you have identified the stress triggers early on and eliminated them. But you cannot always spare your pet the stress - sometimes it needs a vaccination or visitors come by. In such cases, it is important to remain calm and react attentively: Speak soothingly to your pet, distract it lovingly from the stress trigger. Places of retreat also help cats to calm down.
Gastrointestinal diseases in cats
The term "gastrointestinal infection" does not only refer to bacterial infections or viral diseases of the gastrointestinal tract of cats. The term also refers to non-infectious diseases such as poisoning or food intolerances. However, it always involves a disturbed balance in the cat's stomach and intestines, which makes a thorough medical history necessary.
Examples of gastrointestinal diseases and possible triggers:
- Infectious intestinal diseases: fungi, bacteria, viruses, parasites
- Non-inflammatory bowel diseases: allergies, improper feeding, stress and pancreatic insufficiency
- Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining): allergic reactions, bacteria, kidney disease, worm infestation, stress
- Enteritis or catarrhal inflammation of the intestine: feeding errors, stress
Vomiting hairballs is not pleasant, but it is completely harmless for cats. When they groom themselves, they ingest fur via the barbs on their tongues, which they then regurgitate.
Symptoms and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases
Severe and uncontrollable diarrhea or vomiting , or the passing of bloody stools are clear signs of a serious illness that requires medical attention. If the symptoms recur and last longer than two weeks, a chronic illness is likely.
The type of feeding usually has no influence on chronic diseases (exceptions: food allergies or intolerances). More likely causes are hormonal disorders or inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
In addition to diarrhea and vomiting, other accompanying symptoms may occur with gastrointestinal infections :
- loss of appetite
- stomach pain
- weight loss
- flatulence
- food allergies
- intolerances
- disorientation and apathy
- Fever
- Inflammation of the eyes and nose (symptom of EHEC infection - Escherichia Coli - E. coli for short - is an intestinal bacterium)
Diarrhea is not an illness, but a symptom that can have many causes: the spectrum ranges from a harmless digestive disorder to a parasite infestation or poisoning to a life-threatening viral infection. If a kitten has diarrhea, you should take it to the vet immediately, because the little ones quickly lose too much fluid.
For adult animals, a day of fasting can help. You should then feed your cat small portions of food throughout the day. Always make sure that it has enough fluids. Weakly brewed camomile tea can also be helpful.
- Example of a light diet: rice, low-fat curd, boiled chicken breast without skin and a small pinch of salt (prepare yourself or buy ready-made)
- Prerequisite for treatment at home: Your cat has no other symptoms apart from diarrhea and appears lively and healthy.
Never treat your animal with remedies from your own medicine cabinet: Charcoal or a constipating medication masks the symptom of diarrhea, but may worsen the actual disease.
Diarrhea can also be a pure form of self-protection by the body, which quickly rids the intestines of harmful substances or pathogens.
Please take your cat to the veterinarian if…
- … the diarrhea does not stop after the fasting day or comes back after a short time.
- ... your animal has a fever, seems weak and apathetic, has no appetite, pale mucous membranes, blood in the stool or black stools. ... your animal is vomiting or has stomach pain (recognizable by the tense posture).
Preventing gastrointestinal complaints: this is how it works
The key to a healthy, symptom-free gastrointestinal tract for your cat is a species-appropriate and natural diet.
Also note the following tips:
- Less is more: portions of food that are too large put a strain on the stomach and cause digestive problems. It is better to give several small portions throughout the day.
- You should prepare well for any changes in food – if in doubt, consult your veterinarian
- Cat food: 80-85% meat content, free from harmful fillers and additives
- Cats are creatures of habit: stick to fixed meal times (for example, after getting up, after work and before going to bed)
- Sufficient water – especially when feeding dry food
You should remember this
You should remember this
Dr.Clauder's for stomach and intestines
You can provide targeted support to cats with sensitive digestive systems with suitable supplements.
Food emergency? The nutrition hotline helps
If you have any questions about animal nutrition, we will be happy to help you. Call us during our service hours or send us an email with your request:
- Telephone: 0800 / 474 476 0
- Email: hotline@dr-clauder.com
These are our service times:
- Monday and Wednesday 3 - 9 pm
- Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Friday 3 - 7 pm
- Sunday 3 - 5 pm (every 1st Sunday of the month)
Also take a look at the FAQs: Maybe the answer to your question is there?
