what can i give my cat for runny poop

Full Answer

What can I give my Cat for diarrhea and loose stools?

Diarrhea and loose stools can dehydrate your cat, so provide plenty of fresh water to encourage him to drink. You might also add broth or a wet food topper to his kibble to increase moisture intake. Your veterinarian is the best person to ask about the underlying causes of chronic diarrhea in cats.

What to do if your cat has runny poop all the time?

However, if your cat has runny poop all the time it is best to take them to the vet. Several underlying conditions can cause chronic diarrhea. Once diagnosed, treating these conditions can help rid your cat of diarrhea for good! In the meantime, help your cat by feeding them an easily digestible diet split between several small portions.

What is the best cat food for firm stool?

Overall Best Cat Food for Firm Stool: If you want your cat to have firm, healthy stools you need to feed him cat food that is highly digestible. Real, whole-food ingredients are the most digestible and fresh food is best, if you can afford it. NomNomNow is our top choice for the best fresh cat food company and they send it right to your door.

How can I get my Cat to stop being runny and flatulent?

Sometimes limited-ingredient diets or diets with novel proteins — meats that aren’t usually found in cat food — like rabbit can help your kitty get less flatulent and runny. I used to have a really sensitive tummy, too, but Mama started feeding all of us a raw food diet and my problems cleared up literally overnight!

How can I firm up my cat's stool?

Adding half a teaspoon of unflavored Metamucil into your cat's food once or twice a day for 5-7 days may help firm things up. Canned plain pumpkin may do the same thing. Both Metamucil and canned pumpkin are high in fiber.

Why does my cat keep getting runny poop?

What are some causes of diarrhea? Infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses, coccidia, and intestinal worms (hookworms, roundworms, whipworms), or non-infectious irritants, such as chemical toxins or poisonous plants, are some of the more common causes of diarrhea.

Will cat diarrhea go away on its own?

Though most cases of cat diarrhea resolve in a matter of hours or days without intervention, cats who have it for more than a few days, or that show more severe signs (such as vomiting, appetite loss, bloody stools, watery stools or tiredness), should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

What food causes diarrhea in cats?

Rich or fatty foods can cause digestive stress for your cat. For example, turkey, ham or other meats rich in fat will result in diarrhea. Excessive fat intake can also cause a life-threatening inflammatory disease called pancreatitis.

When should I be concerned about my cats diarrhea?

If your cat has diarrhea that lasts more than a day or two, see your veterinarian to figure out the cause. Call your vet right away if the diarrhea is black or bloody, or if it happens along with fever, vomiting, sluggishness, or a loss of appetite.

Why is my cat poop soft and smelly?

The odour of healthy cat poo should be mild and barely noticeable. Smelly faeces is usually a sign of an issue in the stomach or intestines – caused by a digestive disorder or parasites to bacteria and poor diet. 'There's also a distinctive metallic smell that results from digested blood,' says Brian.

How long does stress diarrhea last in cats?

In some cases, diarrhea can last up to several weeks or months. In many cases, however, milder diarrhea may resolve in a day or two. The longer diarrhea lasts, the more important it is that you get your cat professionally seen by a veterinarian.

Can wet food cause diarrhea in cats?

One culprit behind wet food giving your cat diarrhea is that it simply may not be fresh anymore. If your kitty is chomping away on spoiled wet food, it could be causing some digestive distress -- poor thing!

What to do if your cat has IBD?

Thomas: If your cat does have IBD, your vet can help you find foods that will be more easily digested. Sometimes limited-ingredient diets or diets with novel proteins — meats that aren’t usually found in cat food — like rabbit can help your kitty get less flatulent and runny.

Why is canned food better for cats?

Thomas: Besides, more and more vets are saying that cats stay healthier on a diet of canned foods because canned food is closer to what we cats evolved to eat in the wild.

What is the worst cat food?

Ditch the dry. Dry food is absolutely the worst cat food. While you’re at it, stop free feeding if you’re currently doing so.

What to Feed a Cat With Diarrhea?

Decades ago, it was recommended to withhold food from a cat with diarrhea, to let the intestines find their balance again. However, we now know that the intestines need nutrients to repair themselves. The question is which nutrients are best.

Why is my cat's poop runny?

If it’s runny, it can mean a complete change of the litterbox, which can get expensive and take extra time. Sadly, some cats seem to have weaker digestive systems than others, causing them to develop runny stools more often.

Why is turkey broth good for cats?

For this reason, it may help a cat’s digestive tract simply with its higher quality ingredients. The first ingredient is turkey broth. This is to help the food stay moist because it is a canned food. It also adds a few nutrients to the cat food, as it is made from meat. Turkey, chicken, and liver are also included.

Why does my cat have diarrhea?

Many inflammatory disorders affect the digestive tract. This can cause your cat to develop diarrhea. Of course, these problems often aren’t curable. However, high-quality food can keep their digestive tract in tip-top shape and encourage healthy stool firmness.

What does it mean when a cat eats a lot of food?

What a cat eats plays a significant role in what their stool is like. If a cat eats something that upsets their stomach, they can have diarrhea. Fortunately, there are foods out there that can help keep your cat’s stool firm, even if your cat is more prone to diarrhea.

What is the best food for cats that are sensitive to meat?

For cats that are sensitive to specific meats, the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Selected Protein Adult PD in Gel Canned Cat Food may be a suitable option. It includes water as the first ingredient, which is to be expected from a wet food. Duck and duck liver are the next two ingredients. Duck is counted as a novel protein because it isn’t typically found in cat foods. Both ingredients are nutritious sources of protein and fat for your feline, especially if they’re allergic to the more common meats used in cat food.

Why does my cat have digestive issues?

Stress can cause digestive problems for felines, similar to people. Acute stress is usually the cause, such as a move or having too many visitors over at once. Treating your cat’s stress by giving them somewhere to hide and feel safe is often the best option. Food doesn’t necessarily mean much in this circumstance.

What to do if your cat has loose stool?

Instead, contact a veterinarian immediately. Diarrhea is a problem that most cat owners don’t like to discuss. However, such a sensitive issue can have more severe consequences for cats than for humans. So, when you’re cleaning your feline’s litter box and suddenly notice that your cat has loose stool, of course, there’s no reason to panic, ...

How to prevent diarrhea in cats?

In the case of preventing diarrhea in the future, you should groom your cat regularly and try to keep your home clean, especially of cat hair. Another great way to avoid diarrhea is to exclude from your cat’s diet all dairy products and serve only high-quality cat food.

How to stop diarrhea in kittens?

If your cat or kitten has diarrhea but acts normal, you need to choose the right diet as a part of the home remedy plan in order to stop and prevent diarrhea. The best way is to put your feline on a bland diet.

What happens if a cat swallows a hairball?

Swallowing of hairballs, foreign object or poisonous substance: When your cat swallows hairballs and some foreign material, it may block his intestinal system and the body can respond with diarrhea. By the way, zinc and ibuprofen are very poisonous for cats and commonly cause runny poop in cats.

What is the best food for cats with diarrhea?

You can use also the second diet because it is equally effective as the first. Cooked, ground turkey and pumpkin are considered the most digestible products for cats with diarrhea. Pumpkin is rich in soluble fiber that helps cover and soothe the gastrointestinal tract. Besides, pumpkin creates the effect of increased peristalsis instead of gastric emptying and this great food contains potassium. Potassium is known as a common electrolyte and its level usually reduces during diarrhea.

How long does it take for a cat to have diarrhea?

When you can identify the cause, cat diarrhea commonly resolves within 24 hours.

How many times can a cat defecate without blood?

It is normal to defecate 2-3 times without mucus or blood for cats with small intestine diarrhea. The volume may be increased! The frequency shouldn`t be more than 5 times! Cats with constant diarrhea can lose weight as their body doesn’t absorb nutrients.

What Tests Will My Vet Do to Find the Cause of My Cat’s Diarrhea?

Your veterinarian may run fecal tests that include fecal flotation, antigen testing, cytology, and culturing to screen for infectious or inflammatory disease.

What If My Cat Is Vomiting and Has Diarrhea?

Vomiting in conjunction with diarrhea is always an emergency that must be addressed by a veterinarian.

Is Cat Diarrhea Normal or Serious?

Diarrhea in cats is a common symptom of many diseases, and it is never normal. The causes range from harmless to deadly.

How to increase water intake in cats?

A simple way to increase your cat’s water intake is to include wet cat food into their regular diet. Try our Cat Food Finder tool which takes into account your unique cat’s needs, for example their age, breed, need for hairball control and lifestyle to recommend the best combination of wet and dry food for them.

How to know if your cat's poo is good?

When your cat is in good condition and being fed the right diet for their age, breed and activity level , they will produce healthy poos. The perfect cat poos are not too runny and not too dry. They should be shaped like long logs or small nuggets and you’ll find that they’re firm but still soft when you press down on them, much like the consistency of playdough. These poos will be comfortable for your cat to pass, and easy for you to remove from their litter tray each day.

Why does my cat have diarrhoea?

Your cat may experience diarrhoea for a number of food-related reasons including food intolerances, sudden changes to their diet, and other reasons like stress and internal parasites. If your cat is regularly producing soggy poos and diarrhoea, then they may be sensitive to an ingredient in their diet. Your cat will have an upset stomach each time they eat this food so it’s best to book at an appointment with your Greencross Vets to discuss your cat’s food intolerance. Once you remove the offending ingredient from your cat’s diet, their stomach should recover and they’ll be producing more solid poos in a few days.

How long does it take for a cat to change to super premium food?

While switching your cat to super premium food is the best way to improve their health and standard of living, remember to never change your cat’s diet too suddenly as this will also cause them to have diarrhoea. A gradual transition over 10-14 days is the right way to go, and some cats may even take up to 4 weeks to fully transition to new food. In the event that your cat does have diarrhoea, provide them with water and make sure they don’t become dehydrated, and see your local Greencross Vets if you have any questions.

Why does my cat poo so hard?

Hard and dry poos, or when they’re struggling to poo at all are signs that your cat is likely to have constipation. This is an uncomfortable experience for your cat, but by understanding the symptoms and causes, you can give them the care and nutrition they need to reduce the occurrence.

Why is super premium cat food good for cats?

A major benefit of feeding your cat super premium food is that their poos will improve, becoming smaller and less smelly, due to the high quality of nutrients contained in this food. By using our Cat Food Finder to understand the right diet for your unique cat, you can optimise their health and visibly track the improvement in their health through looking at their poo.

What does the texture of a cat's poo tell you?

Learn to interpret what the texture of your cat’s poo is telling you about their health and nutrition. Often, the first place a poor diet shows up is in the poo. While your cat may experience one-off bouts of stomach upsets, their poos shouldn’t change too much from day to day if they’re being fed a regular diet.

What is the best food for a cat with firm stools?

Real, whole-food ingredients are the most digestible and fresh food is best, if you can afford it. NomNomNow is our top choice for the best fresh cat food company and they send it right to your door. Not only does NomNomNow use all-natural ingredients, but their recipes are packed with nutrition, high in moisture, and prepared in small batches to ensure nutritional quality. You simply provide some information about your cat’s breed, age, weight, and activity level then they calculate his calorie needs and send you pre-portioned packages of fresh food customized to those requirements. Every recipe starts with a premium source of animal protein and is complete and balanced for optimal nutrition.

How to help a cat with loose stools?

If you’re not sure, try a limited ingredient diet made with a novel source of protein. Higher moisture content. If your cat has loose stools, he may be at risk for dehydration. Increasing the moisture content of your cat’s diet is a good idea and it will also make the food easier for his body to digest properly.

What is the best food for a cat with a sensitive stomach?

If your cat has chronic diarrhea, it may be the result of something in his diet and you should consider a limited ingredient diet to eliminate the ingredients causing his sensitivity. This Merrick LID Grain-Free Real Turkey Pate is a great option because it contains fresh turkey as a single source of protein that is novel for many cats. It is completely grain-free and free from common allergens like fillers and by-products, plus it is complete and balanced for all life stages. Measured as dry matter, this recipe contains 41% protein and 23% fat.

How to help a cat that defecates?

If your cat defecates frequently but only in small volumes, a higher fiber diet might work. In addition to making adjustments to your cat’s diet, you should also encourage him to drink more water. Diarrhea and loose stools can dehydrate your cat, so provide plenty of fresh water to encourage him to drink.

How to determine cat food needs?

In order to determine whether a cat food meets these requirements, just look for an AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy on the package . It should look something like this: [X Product] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. After you have successfully determined that the formula is complete and balanced, you can go on to evaluating its quality.

How to help a cat with diarrhea?

If you’re considering changing your cat’s diet, be sure to transition him slowly from one food onto another to prevent further digestive upset. Make sure whatever food you choose is made from high-quality ingredients in a highly digestible, nutritionally balanced formula.

Why is my cat's poop so hard?

Hard, small pieces of poop are considered abnormal and may be an indication of constipation. On the other side of the issue, loose or runny stools are typically a sign of diarrhea and may indicate a number of digestive issues. When it comes to your cat, loose stool is just as abnormal as hard stool.

What to ask a veterinarian about a cat with diarrhea?

During an appointment, your veterinarian will ask you detailed questions about when you first noticed the diarrhea, how your cat’s diet or eating has changed recently, and what your cat’s stool looks like. Your veterinarian may ask you to bring a stool sample for testing , but also don’t hesitate to take a picture of stool in the litter box . Some conditions can be aggravated by stress, so be sure to tell your veterinarian about any household changes that might have rattled your feline friend.

Why does my cat's stool run?

Food changes, infections, or prescribed antibiotics are common causes of runny feline sto ol. The good news: most cases of cat diarrhea are mild and self-limiting.

Why do cats defecate in the litter box?

This appears to occur because cats grow weary of going back and forth to the litter box without success, and begin trying to eliminate the contents of their bowels wherever they may be. Constipated cats may posture and strain unproductively in or out of the box, and if they produce stool it may be hard and dry.

Why does my cat poop outside the litter box?

How about pooping outside of the litter box? Cat diarrhea is a common cause of this behavior, so if your cat has an abnormally soft stool outside of the box, then what you really need to focus on is the diarrhea.

Why does my cat have diarrhea?

The most frequently seen causes of acute diarrhea in cats include dietary intolerance, viral infections, and intestinal parasites. An abrupt diet change can easily give a kitty the runs. So can dairy products because, contrary to popular opinion, many cats are lactose intolerant. Because a cat’s emotions can easily translate into physical problems, a stressful event such as a change in your schedule or a move to a new home can trigger diarrhea.

Why does my cat have loose stools?

Diarrhea is a common symptom of many feline issues and illnesses. Stress, diet change, gastrointestinal infection, feline immunodeficiency virus, inflammatory bowel disease, and even certain types of cancer can cause a cat to have loose stools. Not all of these situations require immediate attention.

Can a diet change cause diarrhea in cats?

Mild diarrhea is also common in cats with gut disease when their diet is changed. Of course, diet change should not cause diarrhea, any more than you would get diarrhea if you ate chicken tonight and beef tomorrow night. A healthy gut should not be challenged by such variations however, most cats eating most commercial cat foods do not have healthy intestinal tracts. For those cats, diet change often induces mild diarrhea that usually self-corrects in a few days.

How to help cat with diarrhea?

You can try cat foods that have a crude fiber level of approximately 3% or lower for a low-fiber diet. For a high-fiber option, try using Metamucil or canned pumpkin and adding either to your cat’s food.

What is the best way to help cats digest food?

Like other mammals, cats require a high number of beneficial bacteria in their digestive system to help break down food. This is known as gut flora. Foods or supplements with probiotics can help cats restore natural gut flora levels if they’ve been lost due to chronic or acute diarrhea.

What Causes Diarrhea in Cats?

According to Forrest Gump, S**t happens, but why does diarrhea happen? Remember, diarrhea is not an independent disorder; it is an overlying symptom of one or more underlying disorders. In fact, it’s one of the more common symptoms, meaning that it may be indicative of a wide variety of potentially serious diseases. As a result, be sure you use your best judgment when dealing with your cat’s health.

Why does diarrhea happen in mammals?

In all mammals, diarrhea has an unfortunate tendency to amplify itself. In other words, if the colon is malfunctioning and not absorbing enough water, then dehydration sets in. This dehydration, in turn, causes more diarrhea.

Why do cats have diarrhea?

That being said, let’s take a look at the more common reasons for cat diarrhea: 1 Systemic or overall illness 2 Abrupt changes in dietary intake 3 Increased levels of stress/anxiety or serious changes in the cat’s environment and/or routine 4 Liver and/or kidney disease 5 Pancreatic disease 6 An irritated or hypersensitive gastrointestinal tract (an upset stomach) 7 Consuming garbage and/or rotten food 8 Consuming nonfood or foreign bodies 9 Adrenal glands that do not function properly (Addison’s disease) 10 Intestinal blockage 11 Primary inflammatory disorders 12 Thyroid disease and/or imbalance 13 Constipation – this may seem weird, but older cats have a tendency to react to constipation by expelling watery stools around the obstruction 14 Infection (viral, bacterial, or fungal) 15 Various parasites, especially ticks and/or fleas 16 Various toxins and/or drugs

Can diarrhea be serious for cats?

Although both types of diarrhea can be potentially serious, chronic diarrhea more likely needs veterinary treatment. This is especially true if you tried any home remedies and your cat’s condition hasn’t improved or even gotten worse.

Do cats have fiber?

Cats are just like other mammals: fiber plays a huge role in the regularity and water content of their bowel movements. Furthermore, precise metabolism and digestion may vary from cat to cat. Some felines do better with high-fiber diets while others respond to low-fiber diets.