Feline gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms:
Vomiting: May be intermittent, and the vomit may contain bile.
Diarrhea: May be large in volume and have a soft-serve ice cream consistency.
Other symptoms: May include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, lethargy, hiding, excessive drooling, or blood in the stool.
Gastroenteritis can be caused by a number of things, including:
Intestinal worms
Bacterial or viral infections
Eating something that upsets the gut, like garbage, cooked bones, or fatty meals
Medications
A new brand of cat food or treats
Mild cases of gastroenteritis often pass on their own. To treat gastroenteritis, you can:
Withhold food for 12–24 hours to reduce vomiting and the risk of aspiration pneumonia.
Provide free access to water.
After the fasting period, introduce small, bland meals.
You should contact your veterinarian if your cat's gastroenteritis is severe, or if they also exhibit lethargy or depression. Dehydration can occur quickly if vomiting and diarrhea persist for more than 24 hours.
To prevent gastroenteritis, you can:
Keep your cat on a healthy diet.
Keep your cat's environment clean.
Prevent your cat from swallowing non-edible objects.
Bring your cat in for routine de-worming.
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