Cats can be quite picky eaters, and many cat parents find that their feline friends will only eat cat food when it’s accompanied by canned food. While canned food is a great way to add variety to a cat’s diet and meets most of their nutritional needs, some cat parents report that their pets experience diarrhea after consuming canned food. What could be causing this?
Canned Food Quality
Like human food, canned cat food varies in quality. Some products may contain spoiled or low – quality ingredients that can upset a cat’s stomach and lead to diarrhea. To avoid this, choose high – quality canned foods and check the production and expiration dates when purchasing. If your cat experiences diarrhea, stop using the current canned food and consider alternative foods.
Gastrointestinal Sensitivity
Cats with sensitive stomachs may be more prone to diarrhea when eating canned food. If you notice this happening, it’s best to limit or avoid feeding your cat canned food. Switching to a different brand of canned food might also help. If your cat has diarrhea but no fever, you can withhold food for a day, but make sure fresh water is available. When reintroducing food, start with dry cat food.
Parasitic Infections
Internal parasites like roundworms, tapeworms, and heartworms can disrupt normal intestinal absorption and cause diarrhea in cats. Cats over three months old should be dewormed every three months, with an annual deworming session.
In addition to the above, cats may experience diarrhea due to other factors such as cold exposure or stress. Cat parents should correctly identify the specific cause and provide targeted treatment.
Canned food is a favored dietary option among many cats for its delicious taste and relatively comprehensive nutrition. However, it’s not without potential issues. Some cats may experience diarrhea after consuming canned food. To minimize such problems, choose high – quality canned foods and feed in moderation. Also, be mindful of your cat’s overall dietary balance.
When introducing canned food to your cat’s diet, do so gradually to allow their digestive system to adjust. Combine it with dry food to avoid over – consumption. While canned food offers good nutrition, it’s advisable to maintain a diet that includes both dry and wet foods to ensure a balanced intake of nutrients. This approach helps prevent picky eating habits and reduces the risk of health issues that may arise from an unbalanced diet.
If your cat frequently experiences diarrhea after eating canned food, it’s best to consult a veterinarian for a thorough examination and personalized feeding advice. Ensuring your cat’s digestive health is key to their overall well – being and happiness.
