Household Cures for Cat Diarrhea

" Household cures for cat diarrhea should on be used if it is a mild case or if the stools are soft. In severe cases, like in the case of acute and bloody diarrhea, and after the initial stages of a recovery plan have been completed, including fluid to eliminate any signs of dehydration and any necessary medications, then a cat can be cured at home in consultation with a veterinarian. Household remedies, in many cases, are more effective than commercial remedies due to freshness and quality. "

Household Procedures to Cure Cat Diarrhea:

First determine if you should be treating the cat diarrhea at all. If you see signs of blood, excess water, or unusual appearance, then visit a veterinarian. Also, if you see changes in behavior such as lethargy or refusal to drink, then also see a veterinarian. It is very important to avoid dehydration.

Household Cures for Cat Diarrhea Steps:

1. Cats with diarrhea should fast for 10 – 12 hours at minimum. This will not only clear the gastrointestinal tract, but also will reduce the chance of the condition becoming severe. Small amounts of water should be frequently provided during this 10 - 12 hour period.
   
2. Reverse Dehydration and Loss of Electrolytes: To control dehydration and loss of electrolytes, a mixture should be administered orally containing, one table spoon of salt and baking soda with 8 – 10 table spoons of sugar mixed with one liter (4.22 cups) of water. This mixture should be boiled and cooled, with the one liter (4.22 cups) mixture administered in every 1.5 hours, till signs of dehydration vanishes, and the cat becomes relatively active. In case a cat refuses to intake fluids orally, an intravenous (IV) infusion of Ringer’s lactate may be required at the veterinarian's office.
   
3. Provide honey: Honey may act as an energizer. Rub it on the cat's gums or put it in a place where it can be licked by the cat. It also help to rapidly clear the gastrointestinal tract. In many commercial products honey is added as an additional component, since it helps in the removal of protozoa like giardia and amoeba from the gastrointestinal tract.
   
4. Provide a Simple Diet after Fasting: Fasting will clear the gastrointestinal tract, after 12 hours of fasting, cats can be given food containing a high fiber content, like boiled rice and vigorously boiled fish meat etc. Yogurt can also be given, at least 3 – 5 table spoons with meal; it contains pro–biotics, which helps to restore microbes that can be helpful in digestive fermentation.
   
5. Restore Normal Diet: Cat can be switched to normal food, after 2 – 3 days, if all goes fine.

Precautions:

In case of bloody diarrhea, severe dehydration, lethargy and the progressive loss of physical condition, household cures for cat diarrhea should not be used.  Similarly, cats showing other signs like fever, vomiting, skin problems, anemia etc, should referred to a veterinarian immediately.

Fats and household preparations containing fats should be strictly prohibited for cats with diarrhea, as it will increase intestinal motility (fluid, rate at which feces leaves the body), leaving the cat with severe and rapid dehydration.

References:

The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health

Veterinary Clinician Manual (Royal Publishers, UK. 1994)