Causes and treatment of diarrhea in a pregnant cat
Any illness in a pet expecting kittens should cause concern to the owner. When diarrhea appears in a pregnant cat, you need to pay special attention to this, since loose stools can lead to unpredictable consequences. Therefore, any owner should know what causes this condition, what to do if the cat has loose stools and what factors should cause concern.
Behavior
It is very important to closely monitor the pregnant woman during the expected dates of birth of the kittens. A cat's behavior before giving birth can be the most unpredictable, but quite typical. An attentive owner will always notice prenatal changes.
May be:
- almost constant purring and following on the heels of the owner. Murka literally requires increased attention;
- a clear call to follow her to the place where she is expected to give birth;
- when the due date approaches, try to find a secluded place and hide there, if a special place has not been equipped before this moment;
- for 10-12 hours, sitting without leaving in a place prepared by a person for newborns, it is impossible to call Murka from there;
- the cat looks tired, detached, and often does not eat anything;
- almost constantly licks his genitals;
- constantly lies down, but at the same time turns over from side to side, as if he cannot find a comfortable position;
- when meowing and attracting attention, it can look back at its stomach and show that something is starting (this is noticeable only to very attentive owners).
Causes of diarrhea
Pregnant cats are susceptible to various viruses and bacteria, which can lead to intestinal dysfunction. The most common causes of intestinal upset are:
- Food intolerance. Pregnancy is not the time to experiment with a new diet. Sometimes even familiar foods can give an unpredictable reaction from your pet. Most often, this reaction is observed to the following type of food: milk and dairy products, beef, horse meat, soy, fatty fish, chicken eggs. The body of an animal in an interesting situation often gives an allergic reaction to a previously well-tolerated food, which is manifested by diarrhea.
- Very often, a pet expecting a replenishment constantly feels hungry and, if you follow her lead, this can lead to the development of diarrhea. This occurs due to the fact that a large volume of food moves rapidly through the intestines and is not absorbed into the circulatory system. Thanks to this process, the feed enters the intestines in a liquefied state. This type of diarrhea occurs once. In this case, it is necessary to reduce the pet’s portion.
- If a cat is walking on the street, then she may well pick up something from a garbage container or eat a sick rodent.
- If a cat has not undergone a parasite removal procedure before mating, then worms can cause her to feel unwell. In this case, there is blood and mucus in the loose stool.
- If the pet was sick and was treated with medications, then drug resistance may occur; antibiotics often give such a reaction.
- In long-haired cats, a similar reaction can develop when hair gets into the digestive tract.
- If your pet has not been vaccinated against diseases such as enteritis or distemper, then pregnancy is the most susceptible time for the occurrence of infectious diseases. In this case, in addition to diarrhea, the animal develops fever and vomiting. If such symptoms are detected, you need to urgently contact a veterinarian, otherwise there is a risk of losing the cat and offspring.
- Stress can also cause loose stools; it is better to limit a pregnant cat from visiting guests or traveling on public transport.
- Another reason is hormonal changes in the body.
- If in the early stages the animal has loose stools, then this is a reason for an urgent visit to the veterinary clinic. Because there is a high risk of miscarriage.
Diarrhea 2 days before lambing is normal and should not cause concern to the owner. If your pet is calm and, in addition to loose stools, does not experience vomiting or fever, then there is no reason to worry. Soon we can expect the replenishment of the long-awaited offspring.
Some cat breeds, such as Devon Rex or Sphynx, react most acutely to any change in diet by producing loose stools.
Cat pregnancy, important nuances
Pregnancy in cats follows a specific cycle. According to generally accepted rules, cats that have value should be bred. If everything is done according to the rules, the mating is planned and registered in the breed club.
As practice shows, most inexperienced owners are faced with the pregnancy of their wards after the fact, without keeping an eye on the ward during heat. The first sign of pregnancy can be considered the absence of estrus, which should occur according to the cycle. Typically the cycle is 3–4 weeks. So, if your cat has not started meowing and calling for a male cat, it is worth analyzing whether she could have had contact with a male during her last heat.
If your cat does not have a breed value, in order to avoid pregnancy and the hassle associated with it, it is recommended to sterilize your pet before the onset of sexual heat. With a responsible approach, you will maintain the health of your pet and will not encounter the problem of “adopting” kittens.
According to a strange “tradition,” it is believed that a cat bears and gives birth to kittens without complications. In fact, planning pregnancy and caring for the expectant mother is of enormous importance. Like all living beings, cats experience serious stress during pregnancy and require increased nutrition and care. After the birth of kittens, many cats, especially purebred cats, may suffer from complications.
Note! In early pregnancy, the owner has a choice - medical abortion or castration of the cat. In the late stages of pregnancy, the owner will have to come to terms with and take responsibility for the life and health of the kittens.
Regardless of whether you wanted to get kittens or not, as soon as you find out that your cat is pregnant, she needs to be seen by a veterinarian. Before planned mating, both parents are vaccinated and free of parasites. If preventive measures were not carried out before mating, some of them can be carried out in the first trimester. Some types of parasites can infect kittens in utero, leading to serious postpartum complications or death of the entire litter.
If you have decided that your pet will give birth to kittens, you must take the veterinarian's advice with full responsibility. The sooner you balance the diet of the expectant mother, the higher the chances of giving birth to full-term kittens and maintaining the health of the pet.
Important! If your cat is giving birth for the first time, you should prepare for possible complications. Some animals suffer from postpartum eclampsia, and with prolonged labor, there is a risk of inflammation of the uterus.
In early pregnancy, you need to enrich your cat's diet with calcium and other beneficial microelements. Calcium deficiency is likely to lead to postpartum eclampsia. Make sure that while your cat has a good appetite, she remains active and mobile. Obesity is guaranteed to lead to complications during childbirth.
The first symptoms of pregnancy in cats appear approximately three weeks after conception. In the third week, you may notice that your cat's nipples are enlarged and slightly swollen. The glands acquire a more saturated, pink hue. These changes occur against the background of the pet’s normal activity. In the fourth week, you may notice the first roundness of your belly. If a cat is carrying 2–4 kittens, this sign may appear at 5 weeks. During pregnancy, swelling of the nipples becomes obvious by the 4th week.
Treatment of a pregnant cat
Diarrhea in a pregnant cat should only be treated by a veterinarian, since loose stools can cause serious health problems not only for the expectant mother, but also for her offspring. The doctor must be warned that the pet is pregnant. To prevent the cat from having problems later, she must be prepared for a future pregnancy. To do this, you need to: first deworm the animal, treat it for fleas, feed it in accordance with the recommended diet developed for cats in an interesting situation. To prevent your cat from contracting infectious diseases during an important period of life, you need to get all vaccinations in advance.
A pregnant cat should not be given medications on its own; this can significantly worsen its condition.
If she has a mild case, you can try giving her water or water with dissolved glucose. When a pet refuses to drink, it should be fed through a syringe. You can try drinking it with powder from chicken stomachs. A good fixing effect is given by decoctions of pomegranate skins, oak bark, and chokeberry.
Diet food
If a pregnant cat is susceptible to diarrhea, then it is necessary to adhere to a special diet:
- Firstly, for the first time it is necessary to exclude dairy products.
- It is necessary to limit the consumption of foods containing large amounts of carbohydrates.
- The cat needs to be fed 4-5 times a day, in small portions containing a small amount of fat.
- You can include boiled eggs, rice, boiled white chicken, and chicken broth in your diet.
- You can give baby food that contains meat.
If your cat is shaking before giving birth, what should you do?
There are two options to consider here:
- Before giving birth, cats breathe faster. Sometimes it becomes so frequent that the pregnant cat appears to be trembling or shaking.
- The cat is really shaking. This may be a banal reaction to a stressful situation, as well as a reaction to changes in body temperature. Therefore, if there are no other warning signs, there is no need to worry. However, if your cat has a high fever, loses consciousness, and also has unpleasant discharge from the genitals, you should immediately call a veterinarian, as this is a characteristic sign of complications during childbirth.
Rules of conduct for the first day of illness
If your pet has loose stools, you need to provide her with proper first aid and seek help from a veterinarian. The salvation of the expectant mother and her babies depends on how quickly they seek help from a veterinarian. Basic rules of behavior on the first day of illness:
- The cat needs to be put on a starvation diet.
- The animal should always have clean water in the required volume.
- The animal needs to be given activated carbon at the rate of 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight. The tablets are pre-diluted in water and injected with a syringe, from which the needle has previously been removed, into the animal’s mouth. When consuming activated carbon, you need to increase your water intake and reduce the amount of food.
You need to treat a pregnant cat with great attention, and in case of problems with stool, before making decisions, you need to consult a veterinarian, only he will be able to competently help both the expectant mother and her offspring.
Correct birth process
The first stage of labor begins with contractions as the uterus begins to open. After some time, the plug comes off, and gradually the contractions become more frequent and stronger.
At the second stage, the uterus is fully dilated and the first kitten begins to move along the birth canal. Kittens may be born with or without amniotic sacs. When a cat gives birth, it ruptures the amniotic sac and licks the kitten. After the kitten is born, the placenta comes out, and cats usually eat it.
It is important to remember the number of placentas delivered, and if there are fewer placentas delivered than kittens, you need to seek help from a veterinarian. Placenta remaining in the birth canal can lead to infections that are dangerous to the health and life of the cat.
A pregnant cat has diarrhea before giving birth, what should I do?
If a pregnant cat has any health problems, this will definitely worry the owner. Thus, pregnant cats often experience loose stools. But you should know that diarrhea in a pregnant cat a couple of days before giving birth is absolutely normal and natural. But you should not worry only if the animal has no other signs of illness.
The cat will give birth soon, the cause of diarrhea before childbirth
Diarrhea in the last week before the onset of labor may begin due to the body’s preparation for the upcoming labor. And if the cat behaves calmly, you are sure that she could not have been poisoned by anything, then there is no reason to worry about the health of the animal. The body cleanses itself before the birth process, which can occur very soon.
If the birth is soon, a pregnant cat usually refuses to eat, she may have diarrhea. Before the birth begins, she begins preparing the nest; for this she can carry soft rags and things to a certain place. Therefore, it is better for the owners to think about this in advance and prepare a “maternity house” in the form of a box or plastic box. Cover the bottom of the box or drawer with an old sheet, show the future mother-cat the place of future birth and encourage her to stay in the prepared “house”.
If the case is not severe, the pregnant cat should be on a therapeutic diet. To do this, prepare a disposable syringe without a needle and try to give the cat a five percent glucose solution. Diarrhea in this situation can be treated with phthalazole. To do this, divide the tablet into eight parts and give the animal one part about four times a day. You can use the advice of traditional medicine. A decoction made from chokeberry, oak bark, pomegranate skins, and rice water fastens well.
But if diarrhea is frequent, the temperature rises, the animal becomes weak; for a cat, diarrhea in the last week of pregnancy is dangerous, as it can lead to miscarriages .
What to do in this situation? The cause of the disease may vary. Immediately take the sick animal to a specialist to determine the diagnosis.
How to prepare for the birth of a cat?
A cat does not need a birthing room like a human, but a special place will have to be arranged. A special box, which you can make yourself or buy at a pet store, is suitable as a “maternity box”. A cardboard box lined with newspapers or an old blanket will do just fine.
If the cat has access to the street, then in the last stages it is better not to let her out in order to prevent birth on the street. Also in the last days it is worth ensuring peace, absence of noise and other irritants and monitoring whether the animal’s condition changes.
In case complications arise during childbirth, it is better to prepare some supplies in advance; here is the necessary list:
- Any antiseptic
- Towels
- Treated scissors
- Pipette
- Sterile medical gloves
- Veterinarian phone number
The veterinarian should be chosen taking into account the possibility of a house call and preferably around the clock, because labor can begin at any moment. If it is not possible to call a veterinarian in a given locality, you can consult by telephone and follow the doctor’s instructions.
Why a pregnant cat may have loose stools - 6 main reasons
If the owners observe diarrhea in a pregnant cat, then they should not hesitate to visit the veterinarian. It is urgent to show your pet to a veterinarian, since the consequences of such a pathological condition threaten not only deterioration of health, but even death of both the mother and her offspring. Rare cases of watery feces, in which the animal feels fine, eats and plays, is not a reason to panic, but it won’t hurt to review your pet’s diet. However, it is important for every breeder to know that even isolated cases of diarrhea in exceptional cases may indicate malignant tumors in the purring intestines.
Cat behavior before giving birth: signs, symptoms, temperature
When the final stage of pregnancy approaches, the cat feels the approach of labor and special signs appear in its behavior.
The behavior of a cat before giving birth has the following signs, and the onset of labor is predicted by symptoms:
- The cat begins to look for a place to make a “nest” for itself.
- Immediately a couple of days before giving birth, the cat’s appetite begins to decrease, sometimes even to the point of losing it completely.
- Unusual character traits and habits may appear: for example, if a cat has always been independent and not very sociable, then before giving birth she may not leave the owner’s hands. Such sudden changes in habits and behavior are harbingers of an imminent birth.
- The cat becomes restless.
- The cat's mammary glands swell and increase in size.
If such signs of an approaching birth become noticeable, you should prepare and pay more attention to your pet, monitor how the cat behaves, what it does and how it feels.
It will be useful to read specialized literature or watch videos of cat births.
Main reasons
Settlement of parasites
Both at the beginning of pregnancy and at the last stage, a pregnant cat should not diarrhea. If the animal has frequent loose stools, then perhaps the cause is a helminthic infestation, and coccidia most often liquefy the feces. With this parasitic disease, the stool contains impurities of blood and mucus, and the general condition worsens significantly. The cause of diarrhea in a pregnant cat can be Giardia, the presence of which is determined by a change in the color of the feces. With giardiasis, the intestinal contents released through bowel movements have a yellow or greenish tint, and the cat feels intense pain in the abdomen, exhaustion develops, and vomiting appears. But most often, diarrhea occurs in purrs carrying kittens, into whose body cryptosporidium has entered.
How does the stomach change during pregnancy?
20 days after conception, the nipples change color. If you have already given birth before, your nipples may change slightly. The belly grows as the kittens grow and develop. But if 1-2 kittens develop and grow in the mother’s belly, then the belly may be small until the last weeks.
Before giving birth, a cat's stomach drops. As a rule, this happens within 7 days, and the stomach takes a pear shape. This is due to the fact that the kittens are already preparing for birth, taking the necessary position for this.
It should also be noted that the expectant mother’s stomach is not soft, but hard, which means that the body is ready for labor and childbirth.
When should you contact a veterinarian?
If a pregnant cat has diarrhea without accompanying symptoms, the purring cat is in a great mood and she eats as usual, then there is no need to rush to take her to the veterinary clinic. But if the expectant mother cat is diarrhea and at the same time other deteriorations in her condition are noted, then she should be urgently shown to a veterinarian. Specifically, you need to visit a veterinarian if symptoms such as:
- fever;
- hoarse meowing when palpating the abdomen;
- the presence of blood in the stool;
- apathy;
- loss of body weight;
- specific smell of feces.
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When to Call the Veterinarian
The occurrence of diarrhea in a pregnant cat in the last stages of gestation can be observed for a number of reasons, among which chronic diseases that were not initially treated often appear. Against the backdrop of increased stress on the body due to pregnancy, the body begins to fail, and ailments such as:
- diabetes;
- inflammation of the intestine of an idiopathic nature;
- pancreatic insufficiency;
- increased production of thyroid hormones;
- irritation in the large intestine; diseases of the liver and kidney structures.
It is necessary to call a veterinarian at home or take your cat to the clinic if the following characteristic symptoms of pathological conditions occur:
- the occurrence of febrile phenomena;
- abdominal pain when palpating the abdomen;
- the presence of blood fractions and clots in the feces;
- indifference to what is happening around;
- sudden weight loss;
- signs of dehydration;
- refusal to eat for a long period;
- fetid odor of feces of a putrid nature.
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What to do?
To help your pet, first of all you need to show it to a veterinarian, who will assess the condition of the sick animal and prescribe a therapeutic regimen. Scientific studies have proven that in order to normalize stool in a pregnant cat, you initially need to keep her on a fasting diet for about a day, but no more. Then gradually include rice and chicken in the diet and under no circumstances feed the animal with dairy products. You cannot do any manipulations with your pet on your own or make adjustments to the menu; all actions must be coordinated with a doctor.
Dehydration is considered a dangerous complication of severe diarrhea. To avoid this pathological condition, you should give your cat as much water as possible, and the drink should be fractional; lightly salted chicken broth will also be useful. To stop diarrhea in a pregnant cat and, most importantly, not harm her offspring, the purring cat is given a decoction of oak bark. It will be possible to completely solve the problem of frequent loose stools only after eliminating the main cause that provokes frequent bowel movements.
By what signs can you understand that your stomach has dropped?
A woman cannot always notice the difference in the height of the uterine fundus, since this distance can be insignificant (several cm) and not always visible to the eye. However, there are a number of other signs by which you can reliably determine that the stomach has dropped.
Subjective signs
It's no secret that most pregnant women, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy, suffer from heartburn.
This is due to the growth of the uterus and its pressure on all organs of the abdominal cavity, in particular on the stomach.
As a result of this pressure, stomach contents are increasingly refluxed into the esophagus, which causes the feeling of heartburn.
- Reduced shortness of breath.
A decrease in shortness of breath occurs for the following reason: the prolapsed uterus stops putting so much pressure on the diaphragm. Thanks to this, breathing movements are performed effortlessly, and shortness of breath ceases to bother you.
Due to the fact that the baby's head descends into the pelvis, excess pressure occurs on the bladder, which is located in anatomical proximity to the uterus. The pregnant woman notes that she has begun to feel the urge to urinate much more often.
This is due to the increased load on this part of the back during this period.
Objective signs
- Decreased respiratory rate.
This is associated with easier breathing and decreased shortness of breath.
- Decreased heart rate.
The lungs and heart are organs whose work greatly influences each other. Therefore, when shortness of breath disappears, the load on the heart also decreases, which is manifested by a slight decrease in heart rate.
- Change in the height of the uterine fundus.
If you measure the distance from the symphysis pubis to the highest point of the uterus (fundus), you can determine that this distance has decreased by 3-4 cm.
- The fetal head is pressed tightly against the entrance to the pelvis.
This sign can only be determined by an obstetrician; he places his hand on the fetal head and determines that it is fixed to the pelvic bones.
- A shift in the center of gravity, which causes a woman’s gait to change.
A pregnant cat has diarrhea, what to do at home, medications
Diarrhea in a cat is quite rare and signals that your cat’s health is not all right. Although, why would? After all, everyone knows about the aristocratic origin and rather fastidious nature of these beautiful creatures. But if your cat’s stool suddenly changes, keep an eye on his diet.
Stale food or intolerance to certain foods will cause a lot of trouble for you and your four-legged friend. An extra trip to the doctor won't hurt in any case. In some cases, diarrhea is a fairly serious signal, and if measures are not taken, dehydration may occur. Let's look at the reasons that cause diarrhea in cats.
Diarrhea in male cats after sterilization: how to treat it?
Diarrhea in cats after sterilization
Most often, diarrhea after sterilization in cats appears due to hormonal imbalance. Against the background of this process, all processes in the body slow down for some time, including metabolism. This is what causes loose stools to appear. For this reason, qualified veterinarians, after carrying out such a procedure, prescribe hormonal agents to sterilized animals, which at the initial stage will contribute to the normal functioning of the body.
As for the treatment of diarrhea in cats after sterilization, in this case proper nutrition and the use of fastening and absorbent agents will be sufficient. If the diarrhea is complex and the animal begins to become dehydrated, then in addition to these medications, antibiotics will also have to be given.
Also during this period, it is advisable to give special vitamin complexes that will maintain the balance of nutrients in the body at the desired level. This will also help normalize the functioning of internal organs and, as a result, the digestive system will quickly begin to work correctly.
Common causes of diarrhea in cats
One of the common causes of diarrhea is food. It is quite easy to identify; if there is a change in diet, then this is a completely understandable reaction of the body. Food waste that complicates the process of digesting food, canned cat food, or just nasty things picked up on the street can cause diarrhea. In kittens that are accustomed to their mother's milk, diarrhea occurs when they switch to normal food. Try to avoid various types of sausage and other harmful foods in your cat's diet; this can also cause diarrhea.
If, instead of solidly formed feces, you find mushy or watery discharge in the cat’s litter box, and the cat begins to go to the toilet more often, then try to identify the reason for such a sudden change in stool. If you like traveling long distances, then keep in mind that not all long-eared animals tolerate them well . Stress can also cause disruptions in the digestive system; as you can see, nothing human is alien to our pets. These are fairly common reasons and you should not worry too much if this happens. But what if this is a symptom? Let's try to figure out in what cases diarrhea can be diagnosed as a disease.
- The presence of worms (transmitted through mother's milk, causing inflammation of the intestines, which, in turn, leads to diarrhea).
- Disorders of the liver, biliary system and pancreas.
- Dysbacteriosis.
- Various infections (calcivirosis, toxoplasmosis).
- Allergic reaction (medicines that cause allergies).
- Side effects of drugs.
- Cancer diseases.
What can you give to a cat if it has diarrhea, loose stools: list of medications, tablets, antibiotics
If a cat has access to the outdoors and is not vaccinated against distemper or enteritis, then the cause of stool disorders may be the onset of one of the dangerous viral diseases.
This is due to the fact that the immune strength of a pregnant cat is weakened and the body becomes susceptible to various types of infections. In addition to infections, diarrhea in a pregnant cat can be caused by:
- Experienced severe stress – while traveling in a car or bus. In its normal state, the animal tolerates long trips without problems, but during pregnancy the cat may experience diarrhea, and in some cases, due to stress, the pregnancy may be terminated.
- Diet – in some cases, food may cause diarrhea in a cat. Diarrhea can be caused by dairy products, fatty fish or meat and chicken eggs. In some cases, an allergic reaction to familiar foods may occur.
- Long-haired cats may shed hair. During pregnancy, especially in the last stages, it is more difficult for a cat to get rid of hair in such a way that it causes upset bowel movements.
- Hormonal imbalance – due to pregnancy, hormonal levels may change several times. In response to such changes, the digestive tract may react with a dyspeptic reaction.
- Feeling hungry – pregnant cats try to eat more often. It is worth remembering that overeating an animal and lack of satiety leads to diarrhea. It is advisable to determine and calculate the daily food intake for a cat while expecting kittens and not exceed it.
- Prescribing antimicrobial agents - antibiotic therapy can cause intestinal disorders in a pregnant cat due to intolerance to the drug.
Causes of diarrhea in cats
Normally, a cat defecates 1-2 times a day. As a rule, if she eats according to the clock, then she will go to the toilet at the same time. If pathogenic changes begin in the animal’s gastrointestinal tract, it will begin to go to the toilet more often than usual, and its stool will become more liquid and watery.
Causes of diarrhea in cats:
- Allergic reaction. If in humans an allergy manifests itself as a rash on the skin and tearing, then in animals it irritates the digestive system. A new shampoo, flea treatment, or even a room air freshener can trigger the problem. In this case, the problem will not go away until you remove the source of irritation from the house.
- Worms. Parasites are located inside the intestines and stomach of the animal and intensively produce toxins, which irritate the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to diarrhea. This symptom may intensify while taking an anthelmintic drug. As they die, the worms release even more toxins, and this, in turn, increases diarrhea.
- Fungal infection. In this case, the intestines are most often affected and, as a result, the gastrointestinal tract simply ceases to cope with the digestion of food and, as a result, it begins to linger in the digestive system longer than usual. The longer it ferments and rots, the more severe diarrhea the animal will experience.
- Viral or bacterial infection. If these infections are the cause of diarrhea in a cat, then in addition to loose stools, other symptoms of similar diseases will certainly be noticeable. The animal may develop a fever and discharge from the nose and eyes. Also, almost all cats refuse to eat due to a viral infection.
- Very stressful. As practice shows, cats love constancy, so if something not entirely normal happens in their environment, they begin to get nervous. In this way, they can react to loud music, a stranger, and even moving to a new place of residence.
- Intestinal obstruction. This disease is considered the most dangerous for the animal as it can lead to its death. In this case, the amount of loose stool will be minimal, but your pet will exhibit a gag reflex. All this will lead to dehydration of the body and, as a result, a sharp deterioration in the condition.
- Pathologies of the pancreas and liver. If your cat regularly manages to eat the wrong thing, this can ultimately cause chronic inflammation of the pancreas and liver. If these two organs do not work correctly, then your pet will have loose stools.
List of medicines for diarrhea
Before introducing you to the list of medications to combat diarrhea, I would like to clarify that in order for the medicine to have an effective effect on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, they must be completely cleared of food. In order to achieve a similar effect, it will be enough to remove all food by approximately one knock. During this time, you will have to give your pet only water.
If he refuses to drink it, then you will have to force him to drink. You can give your cat something to drink using an ordinary medical syringe. All you have to do is draw water into a syringe, pick up your pet, fix its head and inject water into the oral cavity in small portions. If you want water to be beneficial for the stomach and intestines, then dissolve a packet of rehydron in it.
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List of medications for diarrhea:
- Enrofloxacin. Will help cope with bacterial infection. Can be given to the animal orally or administered intramuscularly
- Gentamicin. Attributed to the animal if diarrhea has led to the development of sepsis. It is better to administer the drug intramuscularly
- Tylosin. This remedy is ideal for the treatment of infectious diseases. It can only be administered intramuscularly
- Glucose. Needed to restore water balance and normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular system
- Activated carbon. An absorbent that effectively removes toxins from the body
- Enterosan. Normalizes digestion
- Ainil. This medicine will help you reduce body temperature to normal levels, and also relieve the animal from spasms.
- Lactobacterin. Help restore the microflora of the stomach and intestines
- Azinox. An antiparasitic agent that will help you get rid of helminths
Anti-diarrhea medications for pregnant cats
Diarrhea in a cat during pregnancy can cause quite serious consequences. If you fail to restore proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract in the shortest possible time, this can lead to spontaneous abortion. In view of this, if you see that your pet’s condition does not return to normal after 3 days, then you should definitely see a veterinarian.
But even during these three days you should be as attentive as possible to your pet. If the diarrhea is very severe, then dehydration will begin earlier and, as a result, she may go into premature labor. For this reason, it will be better if during the day you periodically check whether too much fluid has left the body. To understand this, it will be enough to touch the cat’s gums.
If they are completely dry, then it’s time to immediately run to the clinic. And remember that only a veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics in this case. Therefore, if you decide to treat your pet at home, then give him only safe medications and clean water. It could be Activated Carbon or Enterozoo.
Diarrhea medications for pregnant cats:
- Probifor (will help restore microflora)
- Nifuroxazide (antibacterial agent)
- Stop cystitis (will restore the functioning of the kidneys and urinary system)
- Drontal (an effective dewormer)
Foods that can be given to porridge during diarrhea
I would like to say right away that feeding a cat with diarrhea milk, kefir and cottage cheese, even low-fat, is strictly prohibited. While diarrhea is in the acute phase, they will further overload the stomach and this will aggravate the problem even more. It is also best for you to avoid dry food during treatment.
Since it has the ability to swell in the stomach, taking away moisture, this can accelerate the process of dehydration, which will lead to vomiting and fever. In addition, remember that throughout this period the sick animal should eat food in small portions. Even if your pet constantly asks to eat, do not make concessions to him and feed him no more than once every 2 hours.
And, of course, remember that it is not advisable to give tap water during treatment. If you want your pet to recover faster, then spend money and buy him filtered water.
Foods you can give your cat during diarrhea:
- Boiled chicken
- Boiled turkey
- Baby meat puree
- Boiled rice
- Egg yolk
- Bouillon
- Oatmeal
Diagnosing the type of diarrhea
There are different types of diarrhea. Just like the color of the discharge, it indicates different reasons. Let's look at them:
- mucous diarrhea (caused by worms, or is a consequence of their removal from the body, special attention in this case should be given to a pregnant cat, otherwise there is a risk of transmitting the disease to kittens),
- diarrhea from drinking milk (one of the most common),
- bloody diarrhea (a sign of illness),
- yellow or orange diarrhea of a rich color (indicates that the cat has problems with digestion or liver),
- white diarrhea (not a good signal, you should check the presence of bile in the intestines, if it is absent, consult a doctor),
- diarrhea due to taking medications (allergic reactions to certain types of drugs),
- watery discharge (indicates the presence of fluid in the intestines, but most likely there is no damage to the mucous membrane),
- diarrhea accompanied by vomiting (if symptoms persist for a long period of time, you must visit the clinic),
- Frequent bowel movements indicate a disorder of the rectum,
- green color of feces (indicates poisoning by stale food and indicates the presence of a rotting process in the intestines).
Diarrhea can occur in both adults and kittens. But don't worry, the treatment methods are the same. If something happens, an experienced veterinarian will help you figure it out and point out all the nuances and features of treating a kitten.
No matter what, any reaction of the cat’s body may indicate different diseases, which is why each case requires a different approach to treatment . Let's try to understand the methods of treating each of the above episodes.
How does a cat behave before giving birth: first signs and symptoms
A pregnant cat is very cute and scary at the same time. It’s scary because owners often don’t know how to prepare for childbirth and how to help their pet. Therefore, it is worth clarifying this issue.
For most people, cats are not just pets, but family members, and that is why owners constantly worry about their pets.
A very exciting and important moment for any owner is the birth of a cat. A cat is a wild animal by nature, so cats generally give birth without problems, but it is still necessary to prepare and be aware of possible difficulties and what needs to be prepared before this event.
When is specialist help needed?
Of course, you should not neglect the help of a specialist. But if there are no more cases of diarrhea, the cat returns to its normal diet, and the cat’s well-being does not cause you any concern - limit yourself to light treatment with herbs and activated carbon . If the animal’s condition worsens, diarrhea becomes more frequent, the cat refuses food and water, the disease is accompanied by frequent vomiting, or there is blood in the feces, contact a specialist immediately! These symptoms may indicate illness. And if appropriate measures are not taken in time, the consequences can be disastrous.
View of the abdomen at different stages of pregnancy
A healthy animal safely bears kittens, and the birth process takes place without any special complications. In this case, the intervention of veterinary specialists or the owner is not required at all. It is important to note that purebred cats and small breed animals may have problems during childbirth .
A normal physiological pregnancy lasts from 62 to 67 days. The due date may vary depending on the breed and body structure of the cat. On average, terms can vary from 7 to 11 days.
Pregnancy in a cat is conventionally divided into several stages:
- The period from conception to 3 weeks - after fertilization, the cat notices swelling in the area of the mammary glands and genitals. But it is worth remembering that this is not a sign of 100% pregnancy. Other characteristic signs of pregnancy are drowsiness, lack of appetite and activity, increased demand for attention, vomiting, pigmentation in the area of the mammary glands, and an increase in the size of the uterus upon palpation.
- Period from 4 to 6 weeks – rapidly growing kittens begin to actively move. The fruits can be easily felt by palpation, the animal begins to consume more food and sleep. The cat may begin to suffer from intoxication, refusing its usual food. This is a physiologically normal process, but if vomiting occurs, it is better to take the animal to the veterinarian.
- Period from 6 to 9 weeks – movements of the kittens in the cat’s stomach are observed with the naked eye, especially during the animal’s sleep. Large belly. The mammary glands are enlarged, and the first milk, colostrum, may be released. Whitish vaginal discharge may appear. If they are not accompanied by other symptoms, then there is no reason to worry. In some cases, hair may fall out on the cat’s abdomen, and appetite may decrease due to large kittens occupying almost all the space in the abdomen, displacing internal organs.
As mentioned earlier, physiological pregnancy lasts up to 65 days. Before labor begins, the abdomen looks very large, begins to droop, the mammary glands swell, and a mucus plug is released from the vagina. 24-48 hours before the start of the birth process, the cat’s body temperature decreases from 38.4 to 36.9 degrees. In the future, the temperature should normalize.
The cat's behavior also undergoes a change - it begins to take better care of itself, especially in the abdomen and genital area. The animal may show more anxiety, meow, and build a nest. Childbirth is an extremely important process in the life of every cat and it needs the help and support of its owner. The abdomen begins to drop down, due to the movement of the kittens along the birth canal towards the exit.
Treatment with drugs
The list of drugs that will provide first aid to adult animals and kittens with diarrhea should include Vetom for cats. You can also use drugs such as Smecta, Baktisubtil, Enterosgel and Bifidum. Don't mix them, let's separate them . “Smecta” should be used with caution, as not all kittens tolerate it well. But “Baktisubtil” is better in this regard (14 capsules diluted in water, 2 times a day). But if there is no choice, then buy Smecta for children, it is used in 14 sachets 2 times a day. Enterosgel is one of the most effective drugs listed; it helps remove toxins from the body.
In addition to all medications, kittens need to use a probiotic. The most common is “Bifidum” (5 doses in a bottle, give one per day) or “Bifidumbacterin”. Activated charcoal injected internally using a syringe without a needle will collect unwanted bacteria. Decoctions of St. John's wort and chamomile heal and have an astringent effect.
If you have worms, use special preparations. Itraconazole will help with fungal infections, but if the cat is pregnant, the use of the drug is not recommended. If your kitten's diarrhea continues for two to three days, contact a specialist. He will take the necessary tests, identify the causes and prescribe treatment. It is not recommended to draw hasty conclusions and engage in self-treatment for severe forms of the disease!
How to treat diarrhea in cats with folk remedies: recipes
Folk remedies for diarrhea: recipes
The easiest way to help your cat cope with diarrhea is to feed it boiled rice. First, you will need to boil it until completely cooked, drain the excess liquid from it, and after that you can give it to your pet. This remedy is also good because in this case not only the cereal itself will be useful, but also the liquid in which it was boiled.
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If the animal categorically refuses to eat rough food, you can draw rice water into a syringe and feed it that way. Once in the stomach, the rice broth will begin to envelop the walls of the stomach and intestines, thereby preventing toxins from having a harmful effect on them.
Moreover, it is this kind of decoction that is better than other means in helping to remove toxins. However, you must remember that such a remedy can also be dangerous. If you don’t want your cat’s stomach to completely stop processing food, then try to alternate rice water with some healthy food, for example, boiled protein.
Bonding agent
- Measure out 60 ml of water and bring to a boil
- Place 1 teaspoon of crushed oak bark in it and place everything in a steam bath
- After 15 minutes, remove the product from the heat and let it cool to room temperature
- Divide it into 4 parts and use a syringe to inject into the cat's mouth
Anti-inflammatory
- To prepare this medicine you will need dried sage and wormwood.
- They will need to take 1/2 tsp each, pour in all 80 ml of boiling water and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.
- After complete cooling, the product will be ready for use.
- You will need to strain it and give it to the sick animal in small portions throughout the day.
Treatment at home
Due to the fact that you do not always have the time, opportunity or finances to visit a clinic, you can carry out some therapeutic measures yourself at home. If diarrhea in kittens or adult animals is not accompanied by fever, refusal to eat or lethargy, then:
- limit your cat's intake of dairy products,
- provide the cat with the necessary amount of water (preferably boiled),
- try to exclude food for 24 hours (no need to be scared, this will only benefit the cat),
- exclude canned cat food (it is better to give boiled rice and boiled meat, in some cases - meat puree),
- If the condition has returned to normal, you can switch to normal mode.
Diarrhea in cats due to pancreatic dysfunction: how to treat it?
Treatment of diarrhea with pancreatitis
The pancreas in cats is as vulnerable as in humans. In view of this, if it is overloaded in the body, the enzyme that is responsible for the absorption of food ceases to be produced. As a rule, as soon as this happens, the animal immediately begins to have severe diarrhea.
A characteristic sign of pancreatitis is a pronounced sour smell of feces. Therefore, if you notice this sign, then go to the vet immediately. If you delay treatment of this pathology, your cat may develop diabetes or even sepsis.
Treatment of diarrhea due to pancreatitis is carried out with the following drugs:
- Anthelmintic
- Antiviral
- Antibiotics
- Antiemetics
- Heartfelt
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesics
Yes, and in this case you must remember that a sick cat should eat as lightly as possible. This means that during treatment, fatty meat and fish, as well as dry food, must be completely excluded from her diet.
All this time, give her boiled rice and oatmeal, and sometimes dilute it all with a small amount of chicken or turkey. When the animal begins to recover, you can begin to introduce dairy products and usual foods into its diet.
Preventive measures
If you follow simple rules, you can completely avoid the problem of diarrhea in your cat. Why:
- check your cat for worms in a timely manner,
- try to vaccinate your cats on time and regularly,
- monitor the quality of the food you purchase and the cat’s reaction to it,
- keep your cat's bedding, bowl and litter box clean at all times,
- carry out regular disinfection,
- If possible, try to limit your cat's contact with stray cats.
Keep an eye on your cats' health and keep an eye on them. Avoid tedious travel or stressful conditions , and allow them to breathe fresh air. If necessary, give vitamins and brush the fur. Believe me, your furry four-legged friends will appreciate this and you won’t have to treat them.
Discharge
Just before childbirth, you can observe the release of the mucous plug. What does a traffic jam look like? A thick, jelly-like substance, white-brown-dirty in color, sometimes with blood streaks. After some time or immediately, the cat’s amniotic fluid breaks. Often everything goes away at the moment the birth process begins. But in most cases, the plug in cats goes away in an average of one day before giving birth, rarely in three. If labor does not begin after the mucous membrane has been removed, it makes sense to consult a veterinarian.
During the period of passage of the mucus plug, a hormone is released into the blood, relaxing not only the uterus and its cervical canal, but also the muscles of the pelvic area. The risk of paw injuries increases due to an increase in the load from body weight against the background of a weakening of the muscular system.
Any discharge from the genital opening during pregnancy is a sign of deviation from the norm. Also, any intense bloody discharge during any period of gestation of kittens (any bleeding from a cat’s loop), and especially just before birth, is considered abnormal.
A particularly dangerous symptom is considered if the cat begins to bleed before giving birth. This condition indicates the onset of pathological rapid labor or miscarriage. Go to the vet immediately!
Discharge from a cat before birth is allowed to have a mucous consistency, slightly yellowish-pinkish in color. Often they are not noticed at all - there are few of them, and the cat manages to lick itself. Discharge in any quantity should alert you if it is of the following shades:
- intense pink – a sign of a fungal infection in the genital tract;
- green – bacterial infection;
- black-green, accompanied by a sharp, unpleasant odor, are a sign of rotting (immediate surgical intervention will be required);
- cloudy yellow or yellow-green is a sign of purulent inflammation in the womb.
You can see what a cat looks like before giving birth in the photo:
What to do if cats develop diarrhea and vomiting
Treating your pets yourself is dangerous. Without finding out the exact cause of the development of diarrhea and vomiting, it is impossible to determine how to treat the animal.
Remember that it is prohibited to prescribe or give medications to cats yourself! Not all human medicines are approved for them.
If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, you should take your pet to the nearest veterinary clinic as quickly as possible, especially if you suspect poisoning from a toxic substance.
We recommend reading: How to Cure Diarrhea At Home
If symptoms develop at night and you are unable to immediately take your pet to a hospital, begin to treat him yourself. This cannot replace a trip to the veterinarian; you should still contact him as soon as the veterinary clinic opens.
Before going to the vet you should:
- Remove all food bowls. When vomiting, the animal is hungry. Since you don't know what exactly caused the symptoms, don't risk feeding him.
- Try to provoke a gag reflex in the cat. To do this, you can quickly inject 10-15 ml of water into her mouth from a syringe (without a needle), and then press with your finger on the root of the tongue.
- Give your cat an enema with plain water. To carry it out you will need a small bulb with a volume of 50 ml. The enema can be repeated several times until clear water appears. Please note that no herbs or medications should be added to the enema!
- Give your cat activated charcoal. For a kitten you will need a quarter of the tablet, for an adult cat - half. Crush the required portion of the tablet and mix with 5 ml of water. Then let the cat drink this sorbent water through a syringe.
There is nothing more you can do to help your pet on your own. Take him to the vet as soon as possible.
Harbingers of childbirth
Harbingers are considered to be changes in the animal’s vital activity within 24 hours before birth. The cat's uterus is arranged in the shape of the letter “Y” - the “horns” are the place of the kittens, the “tail” is the cervix. The main changes occur precisely in it, accompanied by discomfort or pain. Miscarriage and spontaneous childbirth are accompanied by the same symptoms, with one difference. Signs of premature birth in a cat most often occur 1-2 times faster.
As soon as you notice your cat's anxiety, pay attention to the following aspects:
- Most often, before the onset of contractions, a mucus plug comes out of the cervix - a small clot of a transparent, yellowish, greenish color, small brown inclusions are considered normal. You need to understand that the cork’s rejection may not be noticed. It can come out during urination or be torn off in parts - the cat licks itself, the discharge is unnoticeable.
- During pregnancy, kittens lie according to the “compact” principle, and for proper birth they need to turn around with their heads down. Large “babies” may not have time to do this, but during the process there is active movement of the fetuses - the kittens turn and push, causing a lot of inconvenience to the mother.
- The first contractions are barely noticeable, but can be felt if you put your palm on the cat’s stomach - the opening of the cervix begins, the process can take up to 8 hours.
Preparedness #1! Signs of an imminent birth in a cat are strong contractions, noticeable without palpation, the cat lies on its side or squats and arches its back - in the period from 5 to 60 minutes the first “baby” will appear.