I'm honestly feeling pretty desperate and could really use some advice about my cat, Mittens. Over the past week, she's been having some serious digestive issues, and I'm at a loss. She's normally a pretty playful and active kitty, but lately, all she does is lie around and seems super uncomfortable after eating. I've also noticed she's been having diarrhea, and it's breaking my heart because she looks so miserable. We've been feeding her the same brand of food for years, so I don't understand what suddenly changed. Has anyone else experienced something like this with their cat? I'm planning to call the vet first thing tomorrow, but in the meantime, any advice or similar experiences you can share would be so appreciated. I hate seeing her like this!
Hello there! I'm sorry to hear that your cat is having digestive troubles. Let's see if we can help you figure out what's going on.
Cats can have digestive issues for various reasons, including dietary changes, food intolerances, hairballs, or even stress. Sometimes, they might have eaten something they shouldn’t have, leading to an upset stomach. It could also be a sign of more serious issues like intestinal parasites, infections, or chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.
For at-home care, you can try giving them a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice for a couple of days, which is usually easier on their stomachs. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water available, as hydration is very important. Also, brushing your cat regularly can help reduce hairballs, which might be contributing to the problem.
Watch for warning signs like prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, blood in stools, or a persistent lack of appetite. If you notice any of these, it's essential to seek veterinary care right away, as they may indicate a more serious problem.
It sounds like a video consult with one of our vets on Dial A Vet might be a great next step. We can take a closer look at your cat's symptoms and guide you on what to do next. Take care, and give your kitty some gentle pats from me!
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