As a Maine Coon parent, seeing your cat suffer from diarrhea can be very stressful. I know it is for me. Diarrhea in cats is not uncommon and can be caused by different things like changes in diet, food intolerance, stress, or underlying medical conditions.
When possible, I prefer to use home remedies for my cats instead of prescription medicines. Working with cats as much I do, I’ve had time to research and talk to other breeders to find home remedies for cat diarrhea.
Why do cats get diarrhea?
Cats can experience diarrhea due to various reasons. These include diet changes, food intolerances, stress, parasites, bacterial infections, toxins, allergies, viral or bacterial infections. Understanding why cats get diarrhea involves considering their unique digestive system and the different factors that can disrupt it.
- Environmental Stress (from moving, construction, parties, holidays, travel, adding new pets, etc)
- Food Allergies/Intolerances
- Intestinal Parasites
- Viruses
- Bacterial Infections
- IBD
When you discover that you cat has diarrhea, you can immediately treat it safely as an”idiopathic” flare up. This would most likely be from stress or a food intolerance. The other causes of diarrhea may be more persistent and need further evaluation and treatment by your vet.
Defining Feline Diarrhea
Diarrhea in cats presents as loose or watery stool. If I’m talking to someone about diarrhea, I like to have food analogies for the stool that everyone can understand. I know it sounds gross but describing poop is always unpleasant. Refer to the diagram below of how the textures relate to a score.
- Tootsie Rolls (Score of 2-3)
- Soft Serve Ice Cream (Score 4-5)
- Mashed Potatoes (Score 6)
- Hershey Syrup (Score of 7)
The color and smell of the feces can also help determine what is causing the issue. Keep an eye on the litter box every day to make sure your Maine Coon is having healthy poops.
The Importance of Dietary Adjustments
If you’re thinking of changing your cats’ food, remember that a slow transition will make for a happier cat. Making gradual changes to the diet will be better tolerated and cause less incidents of diarrhea.
To change your cat’s diet, start by adding the new food to your cat’s dish. The ratio should be 25% new food and 75% food that your cat is used to. Repeat this for 3 days. Then increase it to 50% for another 3 days. Then 75% for 3 more days. Until finally your cat is eating 100% of the new food.
If at any time you notice that the increase was too much for your cat (indicated by loose stools), then decrease the portion and increase the number of days they’re at this ratio.
Safe Home Remedies for Treating Cat Diarrhea
Probiotics
Probiotics play a big role in your cat’s digestive health. They help maintain the good bacteria in your cat’s gut. This will reduce the diarrhea episodes. Probiotics also boost your cats’ immune system. Look for Probiotics that contain Saccharomyces Boulardii.
Organic Pumpkin
Organic Pumpkin is high in fiber, and some cats love it as a treat, especially when refrigerated. Be sure to offer the organic, unsweetened canned pumpkin.
Slippery Elm
This supplement is excellent for stress related diarrhea. It’s derived from the Slippery Elm tree and comes in a powder form. This is also safe for humans. It works by soothing and protecting the digestive tract, easing diarrhea
@sassykoonz Natural Supplement to have on hand in case your cat gets diarrhea #naturalhealingremides #mainecoon #stressdiarrhea #catmedicine #holisticcat #luxurypet #selfcare ♬ original sound – Sassy Koonz Maine Coon Kittens
Chichi, one of my pets has gotten stress induced diarrhea a couple of times in her life. It’s watery, and even has blood in it.
Of course, I panicked the first time I saw this, but now I can recognize this as stress related and safely treat her with Slippery Elm.
I explain the dosing in the TikTok video on this page. In most cases, 3 doses every 6 hours for 1 day does the trick for easy cases like this.
I always have Slippery Elm on hand. It’s also good for constipation, and nausea.
High Fiber Food/Supplements
Fiber helps to firm up loose stool by absorbing excess water in the intestines. This can provide much needed relief for your cat.
Boiled Chicken and Rice
Boiled chicken breast and cooked white rice is a bland meal that can help “reset” your cat’s tummy. If you try this method, take away any other diet that the cat has and slowly introduce it back into the diet.
Raw Diet
Sometimes offering your obligate carnivore a raw protein diet is the best thing you can do for him. I’ve seen several cases of cats that have chronic diarrhea that has been cured immediately by switching to a raw diet. I recommend VivaRaw for your raw diet needs. Be sure to handle raw meals as you would if you were eating them yourself.
When Home Remedies Don’t Work
If diarrhea persists more than two days after trying natural remedies for cat diarrhea, then it’s time for your cat to see a veterinarian. This could be something more than an innocent case of diarrhea. Of course, if the diarrhea is accompanied by any other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, refusal to eat or drink, or dehydration then do not wait. Take your cat to the vet as soon as possible.
Not all cases require immediate vet attention, but persistent or severe symptoms warrant professional care. When in doubt, consulting with a vet can offer peace of mind.
Preparing for the Veterinarian Visit
- Observe and document your cat’s diarrhea symptoms and behaviors.
- Be ready to discuss your cat’s normal diet, including any recent changes or new food introductions.
- If possible, bring a stool sample from your kitty to aid in diagnostic tests. You can do this by scooping a small amount of fresh feces into a sealed ziplock bag.
- Prepare a list of any supplements or home remedies you have used for your cat’s diarrhea.
- Additionally, take note of any other symptoms or changes in behavior your cat has experienced alongside diarrhea for a complete evaluation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while home remedies can be helpful in treating mild cases of cat diarrhea, it’s important to recognize when veterinary attention is necessary. If your cat shows signs of dehydration or if the diarrhea persists despite dietary adjustments and hydration, it’s crucial to seek professional help.
Your veterinarian will be able to evaluate your cat’s condition and recommend appropriate treatment options. Your Maine Coon’s health and well-being should always be the top priority.
Thank you so much for this article. I am going to try the home remedies.