What to feed a cat with diarrhea? - briefly
When a cat has diarrhea, it's crucial to maintain hydration and provide easily digestible food. Opt for bland, low-fat options like boiled chicken or white fish, accompanied by a small amount of cooked rice.
What to feed a cat with diarrhea? - in detail
When a cat has diarrhea, it's crucial to adjust their diet temporarily to help their digestive system recover. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so ensuring your cat stays hydrated is paramount. Here are some guidelines on what to feed a cat with diarrhea:
-
Hydration: Dehydration is a significant risk with diarrhea. Ensure your cat has access to plenty of fresh water. You can also add a small amount of unflavored Pedialyte or a similar electrolyte solution to their water to help replenish lost fluids and minerals.
-
Bland Diet: Switch to a bland diet for a few days to give your cat's digestive system a chance to heal. A commonly recommended bland diet for cats consists of:
- Boiled Chicken: Cook chicken breasts without any seasoning, oil, or skin until they are thoroughly cooked. Shred the chicken into small pieces.
- White Rice: Boil white rice in water (without salt) until it's soft and well-cooked. Avoid brown rice as it can be harder to digest.
-
Proportions: Mix equal parts of boiled chicken and cooked white rice. This mixture should be fed to your cat in small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of their usual larger meals.
-
Avoid Dairy Products: Cats are generally lactose intolerant, and dairy products can exacerbate diarrhea. Do not feed your cat any milk, cheese, or other dairy products during this time.
-
Gradual Reintroduction: After a few days on the bland diet, gradually reintroduce your cat's regular food. Mix increasing amounts of their normal food with decreasing amounts of the chicken and rice mixture over a 24- to 48-hour period.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your cat's symptoms. If diarrhea persists for more than a couple of days, or if you notice any other concerning symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, or loss of appetite, consult your veterinarian immediately.
-
Avoid Human Food: Stick to the prescribed bland diet and avoid giving your cat human food, table scraps, or treats that could potentially upset their stomach further.
By following these guidelines, you can help your cat's digestive system recover from diarrhea and prevent dehydration. If you have any concerns or if your cat's condition worsens, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian for professional advice tailored to your cat's specific needs.