Digestive issues in cats are quite common and usually clear up within a few days. However, there are certain cat breeds that are highly susceptible to chronic digestive problems—one of them is the Ragdoll cat.
Are Ragdoll cats prone to diarrhea? Ragdoll cats are prone to diarrhea because they are genetically predisposed to a number of chronic digestive disorders. These felines are also known to have sensitive stomachs, so it’s important to closely monitor their daily diet to prevent flare-ups.
Apart from genetics, there are other causes of Ragdoll diarrhea ranging from simple digestive issues to potentially life-threatening illnesses. Here is what you should look out for.
Are loose stools a cause for concern?
If you’re reading this article, you’re probably dealing with a messy predicament at the moment. Diarrhea in cats can be very distressing, just like when it happens to us humans.
This isn’t a very pleasant topic, but it’s crucial—especially for Ragdoll owners—to be aware of whether loose stools are to be considered normal or something to worry about.
Essentially, your Ragdoll cat’s diarrhea is a tell-tale sign that there is something wrong somewhere in its gastrointestinal tract.
It may be a simple gastrointestinal issue that can clear up within a day or two, or something more serious such as an undiagnosed health problem that may require life-long dietary and medical intervention.
Common Causes of Diarrhea in Ragdoll Cats
Here are some of the most common causes of loose stools in Ragdoll cats:
1. Diet
Diet plays a major role in your cat’s stool quality. Sometimes, if you change your cat’s food abruptly, their digestive system may take quite some time to adjust. Ingestion of toxins and household hazards can also cause your cat’s stools to loosen.
2. Food Intolerances
Some Ragdoll cats are hypersensitive to certain ingredients and nutrients in their food.
While genetics play a vital role in determining a cat’s predisposition to food intolerances, some cats develop such sensitivities over time due to their lifestyle and dietary habits—especially if they have been eating the same food for a very long time.
3. Parasites and Pathogens
There are so many types of parasites, bacteria, and infections that can cause gastrointestinal upset in Ragdoll cats.
This is why it’s important to have your cat checked by the vet on a regular basis and keep up to date with their de-worming routine.
4. Gastrointestinal Inflammatory Disorders
There are a number of gastrointestinal disorders that can cause chronic diarrhea. Ragdolls, in particular, are at high risk for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Celiac disease.
Although not life-threatening, Ragdolls with IBD and Celiac disease requires long-term dietary management.
5. Systemic and Metabolic Disorders
Diseases such as hyperthyroidism, liver disease, kidney disease, pancreatic problems, and even cancer can all exhibit diarrhea as a symptom. If your cat’s diarrhea persists for more than two days, have your cat screened by the vet for these conditions.
6. Stress and Anxiety
Just like us humans, too much stress, anxiety, or even excitement can result in a gastrointestinal upset in cats. Such emotions trigger the release of hormones that affect the motility of the gastrointestinal tract.
How can I treat my cat’s diarrhea at home?
There are many potential causes of cat diarrhea, so if your Ragdoll cat has loose stools on a regular basis, it is best to check with your veterinarian. However, if it’s not occurring regularly, you can try these home remedies to help alleviate your cat’s diarrhea.
Home Remedies for Cat Diarrhea
1. Change your cat’s food.
Consider giving your cat a bland home-cooked diet until its diarrhea subsides. Regular cat kibbles and commercial wet food are loaded with artificial ingredients and preservatives, which may be a potential cause of your cat’s gastrointestinal upset.
Switching diets abruptly can also cause stool inconsistencies, so do it slowly.
2. Try a water fast.
Giving your cat a water fast for 12 to 24 hours can help hasten the duration of diarrhea. Make sure to encourage your cat to drink water because aside from losing fluids, your cat is also losing electrolytes.
3. Give your cat a bulk-forming laxative.
Bulk-forming laxatives such as psyllium fiber supplements can have a normalizing effect on cats suffering from diarrhea. Mix about half a teaspoon of plain psyllium fiber supplement to your cat’s meals for a day or two.
4. Consider giving over the counter anti-diarrhea meds.
Prior to giving your cat an anti-diarrheal, it’s very important to ask your veterinarian for the proper dosage and which anti-diarrhea medications are safe to administer. Never assume that all human medicines are safe for cats.
When should I bring my cat to the vet?
Generally, if your cat had one to two bouts of loose stools but is still energetic, eating normally, and acting like his or her usual self, it’s okay to take a “wait-and-see” approach.
However, if your cat’s condition has not improved after a day or two after trying the aforementioned home remedies, bring your cat to the vet and seek immediate medical attention.
Red Flags that You Should Look Out For
If your cat’s diarrhea is accompanied by the following symptoms, bring your cat to the vet as soon as possible.
- Loss of appetite
- Blood in stool or black stool
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Pain or discomfort
How to Prevent Diarrhea in Cats?
Diarrhea is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems for cats. Even the healthiest of cats catch stomach bugs once in a while. Cat diarrhea may be difficult to avoid, but there are things that you can do to help minimize the likelihood of such flare-ups.
Provide your cat with a healthy, balanced diet. If food sensitivity is the main culprit of your cat’s diarrhea, then switch to a hypoallergenic diet. It may be more expensive, but it will surely spare you from frequent trips to the vet in the long run.
Switch your cat’s food once in a while. Feeding your cat the same food on a daily basis for years can trigger sensitivities and nutritional deficiencies.
To avoid this, change your cat’s food every couple of months—but make sure to make the shift gradually.
Do not overfeed your cat. Apart from causing stomach upset, overfeeding your cat can also cause obesity. In case you didn’t know, Ragdoll cats are highly prone to feline obesity.
Give your cat a probiotic supplement every day. Good bacteria play a key role in your cat’s gut health.
Related Questions
Can I give my Ragdoll cat Loperamide? Loperamide can be used to treat cats with diarrhea. The usual dosage is 0.1-0.2 mg/kg of liquid loperamide every 8 to 12 hours. However, over the counter anti-diarrheals should be used with caution. Ask your veterinarian for the right medicine and dosage for your cat to be on the safe side.
Is cat diarrhea contagious? If your cat’s diarrhea is caused by a parasite or a pathogen such as Coccidia, Rotavirus, and Giardia, then it can be contagious to other cats.
How long should I wait before I bring my cat to the vet? Diarrhea that lasts for up to 2 days probably isn’t something to worry about, especially if not accompanied by secondary symptoms; but if it persists for more than 2 days, bring your cat to the vet and seek immediate medical treatment.
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