There’s a lot of debate surrounding the best way to feed our feline friends. Some people say dry food is better, while others prefer wet food. One of the main questions cat owners ask is, can wet food cause diarrhea in cats?
The answer is no; wet food does not cause diarrhea in cats. However, too much-wet food can lead to gastrointestinal upset in cats, leading to diarrhea.
This article will look at the possible causes of diarrhea in cats. We’ll also give you some home remedies to help your kitty’s diarrhea.
Diarrhea in Cats
Diarrhea is the sudden increase in the frequency or liquidity of your cat’s stool. It can be a symptom of many underlying health conditions, ranging from minor inconvenience to potentially life-threatening.
Diarrhea is a common digestive issue that can affect cats of all ages. It can cause your cat to lose fluids and electrolytes quickly, leading to dehydration.
It is, therefore, essential to monitor your cat’s hydration status and offer plenty of water to help prevent dehydration.
If your cat is not eating or drinking and has severe diarrhea, seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
What Causes Diarrhea in Cats?
Several factors can cause diarrhea in cats, including:
- Intestinal parasites: Intestinal parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms, commonly cause diarrhea in cats. These parasites can be contracted through contact with contaminated soil or feces.
- Infectious diseases: Bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections can cause cat diarrhea. Some common infectious diseases that cause diarrhea include feline panleukopenia, feline calicivirus, and toxoplasmosis.
- Dietary changes: A sudden change in diet, such as switching from dry food to wet food or vice versa, can cause diarrhea in cats. Cats can also have trouble digesting certain types of food, such as dairy products.
- Spoiled food: Leaving food out for too long or feeding your cat expired food can cause diarrhea. Spoiled food can contain harmful bacteria that can make your cat sick.
- Stress: Stress is a common trigger for diarrhea in cats. Cats can experience stress from many different things, including moving to a new home, changes in the family dynamic, and introducing new pets into the household.
- Foreign object: Occasionally, cats will swallow something they shouldn’t, such as a toy or piece of string. If this object gets stuck in the intestines, it can cause inflammation and diarrhea.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics and anticancer drugs, can cause diarrhea as a side effect. If your cat takes any medication and develops diarrhea, consult your veterinarian to see if the medicine is the cause.
Difference Between Dry and Wet Cat Food
The main difference between dry and wet cat food is the moisture content. Dry food typically has around 10% moisture, while wet food is about 78%.
Wet food is also usually higher in protein and fat than dry food.
Another difference between dry and wet cat food is the price. Generally, dry cat food is cheaper than wet food due to the lower cost of production and the fact that it has a longer shelf life.
You can leave dry food out for a longer period of time without spoiling, making it more convenient for cat owners who are away from home for extended periods of time.
On the other hand, wet food is more expensive and has a shorter shelf life because it is more perishable.
What Home Remedy Can I Give my Cat for Diarrhea?
Several home remedies can help your cat’s diarrhea, but you should talk to your veterinarian first. Some home remedies include:
- Adding probiotics to their diet. A study carried out suggests probiotics may have a beneficial effect on the digestive tract of cats.
- Feeding them a bland diet (boiled chicken and rice)
- Adding fiber to their diet ( pumpkin puree)
If home remedies don’t help improve your cat’s diarrhea, or if the diarrhea is severe, talk to your veterinarian. They may recommend other treatment options, such as medication.
How to Stop Diarrhea in Cats Eating Wet Food?
Here are some simple things you can try to help stop diarrhea in cats eating wet food:
- Increase water intake. Diarrhea can cause cats to become dehydrated, so it’s important to ensure they get enough fluids.
- Feed smaller, more frequent meals. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can help ease diarrhea. Start by giving your cat small amounts of wet food every few hours. If they can keep this down, you can gradually increase the food you’re feeding.
- Add probiotics to their diet. Probiotics contain live bacteria that can help restore the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut. Adding probiotics to your cat’s diet can help reduce diarrhea.
- Medication. Sometimes, your veterinarian may prescribe medication to help treat your cat’s diarrhea. This is typically only necessary if the diarrhea is severe or persistent. If your cat is on medication, follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Wet Food Cause Diarrhea in Cats?
Wet food is not a common cause of diarrhea in cats. However, if your cat has never had wet food before and you suddenly switch them to a wet food diet, they may experience some gastrointestinal upset, leading to diarrhea.
It is usually only temporary if this occurs and will resolve itself once your cat adjusts to the new diet.
Does Wet Food Give Kittens Diarrhea?
Kittens can sometimes develop diarrhea when they start eating wet food. This is usually because they need to get used to the new diet.
Start by giving your kitten a small amount of wet food and slowly increasing the amount as tolerated.
Can Grain-Free Cat Food Cause Diarrhea?
No, grain-free cat food does not cause diarrhea. However, some cats may be allergic to ingredients in grain-free cat food which can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
Can Kitten Food Cause Diarrhea in Older Cats?
Kitten food can cause diarrhea in older cats if not introduced slowly.
Start by mixing a small amount of kitten food with your cat’s regular food and gradually increase the amount as tolerated.
If your cat’s diarrhea persists, talk to your veterinarian.
Does Wet Cat Food Cause Soft Stool?
Soft stool is not caused by wet cat food directly; instead, it’s usually due to a change in diet or overfeeding.
If this does not resolve itself after several days, consult your vet.
Can Sheba Canned Cat Food Cause Diarrhea?
Some cats may be able to tolerate Sheba canned cat food without any issues, while others may develop diarrhea.
Talk to your veterinarian if your cat starts experiencing diarrhea after eating Sheba canned cat food.
Can too Much Dry Cat Food Cause Diarrhea?
Yes, dry cat food can cause diarrhea if contaminated or introduced too quickly into your kitty’s diet.
Can Worms Cause Diarrhea in Cats?
Yes, worms can cause diarrhea in cats. If you suspect your kitty has worms, talk to your veterinarian. They can perform a diagnostic test and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
What do I Feed a Kitten with Diarrhea?
If your kitten has diarrhea, start slowly transitioning them to a bland diet. A bland diet consists of boiled chicken or turkey with no skin or bones and plain white rice.
Feed your kitten small amounts of the bland diet several times a day until their diarrhea improves. If your kitten’s diarrhea persists, talk to your veterinarian.
When Should I be Concerned About my Cat’s Diarrhea?
You should seek veterinary attention for your cat’s diarrhea.
- If it lasts longer than two days
- Is accompanied by vomiting
- If your cat appears to be in pain
- Your cat’s water intake has decreased significantly.
- The stool is watery.
- The stool has blood in it.
Should I Stop Giving my Cat Wet Food if he has Diarrhea?
No, you should not stop giving your cat wet food if he has diarrhea. Wet food can benefit cats with diarrhea because it contains more moisture than dry food.
Water is vital for preventing dehydration, which can be a complication of diarrhea.
Can Canned Cat Food Cause Diarrhea?
Canned cat food is generally safe for cats, but some brands may contain ingredients that can cause diarrhea.
If your cat’s diarrhea starts after eating a particular canned food, switch to a different brand. You can also try home-cooked meals or raw diets.
How Long will Cat Have Diarrhea After Changing Food?
It might take your cat’s tummy a few days to get used to their new food. If diarrhea persists, talk to your veterinarian.
Final Thoughts
Wet food does not cause diarrhea in cats. However, if your cat eats too much-wet food, they may experience gastrointestinal upset, leading to diarrhea.
There are several possible causes of diarrhea in cats, including dietary indiscretion (eating something they shouldn’t have), infection, parasites, and stress.
You can try a few home remedies, including giving them water with rice and boiled chicken or feeding them canned pumpkin puree.
If diarrhea persists, talk to your veterinarian. They can perform a diagnostic test and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Want to learn more? Check out our post on the best cat food for diarrhea.