When your cat is experiencing colitis, you will want to do everything you can to help them recover. To make sure you’re prepared for this, we’ve put together this article with information about colitis in cats, as well as a few tips on how you can lend a hand. Read on to learn all there is to know about this disease in cats.
Colitis in cats can be brought on by various factors, from stress to parasites, and can affect any type of cat, regardless of their breed, age, or sex. Because the cause can vary from cat to cat, it’s important to book a visit with your vet to find out the exact trigger that caused your cat to have digestive issues. However, below we’ve listed the most common causes.
To spot colitis in cats and provide them with assistance as early as possible, be on the lookout for the following symptoms:
In the case of acute colitis, it’s possible that only diarrhoea will be present. On the other hand, chronic colitis may also cause weight loss, lethargy, poor appetite, and dehydration.
If your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms, it would be best to contact your vet as soon as possible and bring your cat in for a check-up.
Colitis in cats can be either chronic (slowly developing but persistent) or acute (appearing as intense flare-ups). As such, treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause and whether your feline friend’s signs are acute or chronic. After performing a physical exam and running some tests, your veterinarian may also recommend the following treatments:
Your vet may want to rule out any parasitic cause for your cat’s colitis. They may recommend testing your cat’s faeces, or may suggest using an anti-parasitic medication (dewormer).
Some cases of colitis may be caused by bacterial infections, in which case your vet may prescribe a course of antibiotics. If your cat’s colitis is caused by a form of inflammatory bowel disease, they may also recommend anti-inflammatory medication.
Many cases of colitis will clear up with a change in diet. Your vet may recommend what is known as a novel protein diet - with venison or rabbit as the protein source for example. Diets that are high in fibre can also be useful. When it comes to diet change, it is best to ask your vet for advice.
If your cat is stressed, it would be best to identify the cause and try to help minimise their anxiety. Keep them occupied with games and try to ensure that they always feel safe and have access to a quiet place of their own where they can be by themselves.
Taking care of your cat and making sure you’re doing the best you can in providing them with a good quality of life doesn’t come easy. It takes time and effort and a good deal of love and affection as well. To decrease the chance that your cat will get colitis, here are a few things you can do:
Colitis in cats can be easily managed if spotted early and if your cat is given the right treatment. If you want to find out more about feline digestive issues, check out our article on diarrhoea in cats next.
