|
 Photo by Jessica Melling @ flickr.com |
Natural remedies for diarrhea often have an advantage over pharmaceutical options. Over the counter medications may not be suitable for kittens as they tend to be fragile. Loperamide (Imodium®) is used to slow down diarrhea episodes and can cause excitability in felines and can stop the body from ridding itself of harmful toxins.
And anti-diarrheal medications that contain salicylates (which is related to an active ingredient in aspirin) and bismuth can be toxic to cats. So, if possible try a non-pharmaceutical remedy for mild diarrhea first. Here are several options to cure diarrhea in kittens:
- Edible Clay
It may sound weird but both humans and animals can drink clay. I wouldn’t suggest going outside and digging in the dirt. But, you can buy edible types of clay at health food stores. Calcium bentonite, sodium bentonite, and kaolin are just a few types of clays that can be eaten. Just be sure the label on the clay states that it is for ingestion.
Clay is known to purify the digestive system. And has been said to remove toxins, pesticides, and parasites from the body. It can also help the digestive tract form more solid stools. About ½ teaspoon in ½ to 1 cup of water stirred should help with diarrhea. Have your sick kitten sip the clay water. Ensure your kitten drinks a lot of water with the clay to prevent intestinal blockage.
- Charcoal
No, not the charcoal that you barbeque with. Activated charcoal adsorbs intestinal toxins and helps rid the body of poisons that cause diarrhea in kittens. It’s great for treatment of accidental chemical and food poisonings and is good to keep around the house when you have curious little kittens and human kids. It’s not for long term use (only 3-4 days max).
- Wheat Bran
The old fashioned fiber of wheat bran helps solidify loose stool. And kittens with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which can cause diarrhea, will surely benefit from the added dietary fiber. Some cats have allergies to wheat products. But for those without allergies, add about 1/8 of a teaspoon of powdered bran to your kitten’s food.
- Psyllium Husks
Like wheat bran, psyllium husks can add bulk back into stools and can promote regular bowel movements. Psyllium comes from the plantain plant and is high in insoluble fiber. It comes in pills and powdered form. Mix about 1/4 to 1/8 teaspoon of powdered psyllium to one cup of water and have your kitten drink the solution. As with edible clay, be sure your kitten drinks plenty of water with the psyllium or it could block their digestive tract.
- Acidophilus
Acidophilus is a type of intestinal bacteria. It is a “good” form of bacteria that helps regulate digestive functions. “Good” bacteria the stomach can be reduced and replaced with harmful bacteria by use of antibiotics and illness. Adding acidophilus and other types of “good” bacteria will help ameliorate diarrhea. Add yogurt or acidophilus powder to your kitten’s food.
- Pumpkin
Adding a bit of purred pumpkin to your kitten’s diet can help stop diarrhea in kittens. Pumpkin helps absorb water in the digest stomach and slows down diarrhea. You don’t have to go out and buy a whole pumpkin. Just use the canned form. 1 to 2 teaspoons taken orally can put an end to diarrhea within a few hours.
Be sure to keep your kitten with diarrhea as comfortable as possible. Encourage them to drink plenty of fluids and give them ice to lick or water or chicken broth to drink. Hold solid foods for 24 hours and reintroduce solids gradually as the kitten can tolerate.
Remember…Diarrhea in kittens can be life threatening. See your vet for cases of diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours.
Tell Us Your Natural Home Remedies for
Diarrhea in Kittens.
Dealing with diarrhea in kittens can be a messy experience. Do you have advice, a great tip, or a home remedy you'd love to share with others?
Return from Diarrhea in Kittens to Kitten Health
Return from Diarrhea in Kittens to All About Cute Kittens Homepage