Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common causes of digestive problems in cats. It usually occurs with frequent episodes of diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain. Treatment can take several approaches and involves a combination of medications, dietary changes, and long-term lifestyle changes.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Making Food Changes
Step 1. Try a hypoallergenic diet
Food allergies can be one of the contributing factors to the development of irritable bowel syndrome in cats. By choosing foods that are naturally hypoallergenic, you can soothe the ailment.
- Your vet will likely advise you to find a source of protein and carbohydrates that your dog has never eaten before. Diets with rabbit, venison, or duck meat are generally good places to start, as most cat food manufacturers don't use these ingredients.
- Some brands, such as Royal Canin, offer hypoallergenic product lines. Try switching to these foods and see if the cat's symptoms subside.
Step 2. Choose low-fiber foods
They are prepared to be easy to digest and absorb, in order to reduce problems related to bowel syndrome.
- Most conventional brands of cat food offer such a product line, but it does not always have "low in fiber" on the label. The company generally prefers the terms "Veterinarian Approved". Ask your vet what brands and types of foods you should buy to keep your cat on a low-residue diet.
- The Iams brand sells specific foods for cats with intestinal problems and identifies them as "low in fiber". These products could be the solution; if you can't get them from pet stores, you can buy them online.
Step 3. Try giving him foods rich in fiber
These substances are essential for many animal species, including cats, because they promote regular intestinal motility. By increasing your intake, you can reduce symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.
Many cat food brands, such as Royal Canin, offer products rich in fiber. It's not always easy to find them at the grocery store, as most owners don't prioritize their cat's need for fiber, but you can buy them online
Part 2 of 3: Seeking Veterinary Care
Step 1. Take your cat to the vet to find the best therapy
The first thing to do to treat irritable bowel syndrome in cats is to consult a veterinarian. The vet is able to propose a series of drug treatments and some lifestyle changes to allow the cat to lead a long and fulfilling life, despite the chronic illness.
- The vet has probably already diagnosed the pet with a series of tests and procedures. Irritable bowel syndrome is usually identified gradually, excluding other possible causes of the symptoms and drawing up a thorough history of the cat.
- Treatment for this disorder can be a bit confusing, as there is usually no single cure or approach that works for everyone. Typically, a combination of medications, dietary changes, or lifestyle changes is required, and sometimes it takes trial and error. Your vet will recommend a number of approaches, and if one method doesn't work, you'll need to try another.
- Listen carefully to what the doctor says and ask any questions that arise about your cat therapy. You must know the correct protocol, especially regarding the administration, dosage and storage of drugs.
Step 2. Learn about corticosteroids
Typically, the first attempt at a cure involves the use of this class of drugs. The vet prescribes a particular type of steroid and you will need to monitor the cat's health conditions to see if the symptoms regress.
- The most commonly prescribed corticosteroid for domestic cats is prednisolone. It has very powerful anti-inflammatory properties that are able to reduce the manifestation of the syndrome. This kind of medicine has a fairly high success rate, relieving symptoms in about 85% of cats.
- It is usually given orally and in 3-4 month cycles. If the cat relapses after stopping the steroid use, the vet may prescribe a second course or consider another treatment.
- The cat should be carefully monitored by the doctor while on cortisone therapy. This class of drugs can cause diabetes and make animals immunosuppressed. However, most cats respond well to such therapy if the correct dose and posology are followed. It generally starts with a high dosage, which is then gradually reduced over time.
- Cats do not easily accept oral medications and sometimes vomit them up. If you are concerned about giving him pills, ask your vet if steroid injections are possible.
Step 3. Give prescription antibiotics a try
Generally, when a combination of dietary changes and corticosteroids do not adequately manage symptoms, antibiotics are prescribed.
- These medicines are effective because bacteria are sometimes the trigger for irritable bowel syndrome. The most used active ingredients are metronidazole and azithromycin.
- Side effects are quite rare, but cats react by throwing up the drugs because of the flavor.
Step 4. Try immunosuppressants
They are generally considered as a supplementary treatment when antibiotics and cortisones have not proven effective.
- These are rather strong drugs that are however able to soothe the symptoms in some specimens. Just like other medicines, they must be taken orally.
- Immunosuppressants are the last ditch effort for a very good reason. They are very strong and can inhibit the action of the bone marrow in certain cats. Your feline friend will need to have regular veterinary checkups while following this therapy. If your doctor recommends that you stop taking it, do so immediately.
Step 5. Buy supplements
Ask your vet for some information about these products. If you think they can be helpful and won't interfere with other medications, food supplements are a possibility.
- Since bacteria play an important role in irritable bowel syndrome, substances that promote the development of certain strains, such as prebiotics and probiotics, can help reduce symptoms. Ask your vet where you can buy the right products and how to safely administer them to your cat.
- You may want to consult your vet about giving your cat cobalamin supplements, also known as vitamin B12. Cats that often suffer from diarrhea may have low cobalamin levels, which can impact appetite and digestion. Your vet may recommend supplements that you can give your cat orally even at home.
- Other supplements are available in health food stores and sometimes the simplest cure is some combination pills that contain different homeopathic substances. Just remember to ask your vet for advice before making any changes to your pet's therapy or diet.
Part 3 of 3: Managing Long Term Care
Step 1. Make sure your pet moves
Regular physical activity improves colon function and helps manage symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
- If your dog lives outdoors, he probably already gets a lot of exercise by playing and running. Make it possible for him to go out a few times a week. If the weather conditions are bad, such as raining or snowing, keep it indoors and replace the outdoor activity with some home exercise for that day.
- Cats, unlike dogs, should not be taken for a walk. The major source of exercise is home play. You should provide your pet with a set of toys that you should throw, pull, or dangle to get their attention on a daily basis. Try to play with him for 15-20 minutes every day. If your pet is particularly lively and shows no signs of fatigue after 20 minutes, keep him playing until he loses interest in the activity.
- If you have a cat who likes to be around other pets, you should consider getting another cat. Felines generally tend to be more active when living in groups, because they can chase and play with each other. However, if your dog has demonstrated behavioral problems related to other animals in the past, the presence of another cat could be a source of stress, which in turn can lead to acute episodes of bowel syndrome.
Step 2. Manage your cat's stress
Cats suffering from this disease can manifest acute phases of irritable bowel induced by stress; that is why it is important to manage the emotional tension of the animal.
- Make sure he has a safe and dedicated space inside the house. Cats sometimes want to stay away from noise, especially when there are guests, and they want to hide in places like closets, closets and scratching trees.
- Minimize routine changes, such as mealtimes and naps. If you need to make changes, try to introduce them gradually. For example, if you need to move, get your cat used to spending time in the carrier before letting him make the journey to his new home.
- Always keep the litter box clean. Poor hygienic conditions annoy cats, an excess of urine and fecal material in the litter box is therefore a cause of stress. Remove clumps of sand and dirt every day and completely change the substrate once a week.
Step 3. Know the long-term prognosis
Irritable bowel syndrome is not a curable condition. Affected cats go through acute stages throughout their life and you need to know the prognosis for your cat.
- The disease manifests itself and disappears over time. The cat may not suffer from any seizures for months or even years. The syndrome is triggered by numerous factors and it is not always possible to predict or avoid the acute phases. However, if you see your vet as soon as you notice symptoms, it is possible to manage the condition effectively over time.
- It is important to have the cat regularly checked by the doctor for any fact, but it is essential for those dogs that suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. The vet is able to monitor the symptoms over time and, if necessary, modify the therapy. Always take your furry friend for a thorough examination at the first sign of an acute phase of the disease.
