do cats get stomach bugs

If you’re wondering, “Can cats get stomach bugs?” the answer is yes. Rotavirus, a common cause of gastroenteritis in humans, can be passed to your cat. If you have a stomach bug, stay away from your cat until you feel better to keep the virus from spreading.

What is Gastroenteritis in Cats?

Stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting are signs of gastroenteritis, an inflammation and irritation of the stomach and intestines. It is frequently used to characterize a condition in which a cat has frequent, abrupt episodes of diarrhea or vomiting, frequently coupled with decreased appetite.

Gastritis is the term for inflammation limited to the stomach, and colitis is the term for inflammation contained in the colon.

A biopsy from the stomach or intestines is necessary for a precise diagnosis of gastroenteritis. But without doing a biopsy, veterinarians frequently base their suspected diagnosis and course of treatment on a comparable set of clinical signs. In that instance, the illness is referred to as acute gastroenteropathy.

Treatments for both gastroenteritis (proven inflammation) and gastroenteropathy (assumed inflammation) vary depending on the symptoms and medical history. In this article, the illness will be referred to as gastroenteritis.

What Causes Gastroenteritis in Cats?

The causes of gastroenteritis in cats are varied. Common causes include:

Infectious cases such as bacteria, virus, parasites, or protozoa
eating something different from their pet food or making a sudden dietary shift
Medications
Hairballs
Foreign objects
Toxins
Food intolerance or allergy

Furthermore, in cats, gastroenteritis may be a secondary symptom of a more serious medical condition like:

Pancreatitis
Liver disease
Kidney disease
Hyperthyroidism
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Gallbladder rupture or inflammation

Through testing, your veterinarian can determine the cause of your cat’s digestive distress and suggest the best course of action.

Can cats with gastroenteritis die? No, they can recover with treatment. But gastroenteritis can be life threatening depending on the cause. If left untreated, the illness may result in intestinal blockage, dehydration, or infection and death.

Is gastroenteritis contagious? Some causes, like food allergies or hairballs, are not communicable, but other causes, like parasite, bacterial, or viral infections, can spread to other animals. Isolating your cat is essential to preventing transmission until a diagnosis is made and you are positive she is not contagious.

Can cats contract stomach bugs? A stomach bug is slang for gastroenteritis brought on by a bacterial or viral infection. Indeed, as previously mentioned, cats may experience diarrhea or vomiting due to bacteria or viruses. Although it is rare for cats to contract a stomach virus from humans and vice versa, it is still advisable to treat the environment, wash your hands, and isolate yourself as much as you can.

Cats can sometimes end up ingesting objects. Things like tiny toys, rubber bands, hair bands, and thread get stuck in their stools and digestive tracts. Don’t be afraid to contact the veterinarian if you think your cat may have swallowed something harmful. Vomiting is the most typical symptom of a foreign body, but you should also watch out for symptoms like constipation, lack of appetite, and regurgitation as well as abdominal pain. Get your cat to the vet without delay.

Cat Gastroenteritis Symptoms

The primary signs of gastroenteritis are diarrhea and/or vomiting. The vomit may be slightly foamy and yellow in color. In addition, cats may also experience a decreased appetite. Other gastroenteritis symptoms in cats may include:

Flatulence
Lethargy
Low grade fever
Tender or painful abdomen

The duration of feline gastroenteritis varies based on the degree of symptoms and the underlying reason. Within 24 hours, mild cases of gastroenteritis may go away on their own. However, call your veterinarian right away if your cat exhibits any of these extra symptoms, or if the vomiting and diarrhea last longer than 24 hours.

FAQ

How long does a stomach bug last in cats?

Most cases of acute gastroenteritis improve rapidly after rehydration. Call your veterinarian if the vomiting and diarrhea do not improve significantly within 24-48 hours of treatment. Gastroenteritis is common in cats.

How long does an upset stomach last in cats?

It’s important to know what to expect as far as the resolution of upset stomach symptoms in cats. If your cat is vomiting or not eating, do not go more than 24 hours without seeking care from your veterinarian. Diarrhea usually takes longer to resolve: 3-5 days is typical and should be improving over that time.

What do you give a cat for an upset stomach?

Only “mild” food should initially be offered. If vomiting continues at 24 hours your pet needs to be examined by a doctor. Cats: Feed only 1-2 tablespoons of strained meat baby food every 4 to 6 hours until a normal stool is produced then GRADUALLY over 3 days switch back to his/her regular diet.

Can cats get a stomach bug from humans?

Yes – as mentioned above – cats can get viral or bacterial causes of vomiting and/or diarrhea. While it is uncommon for humans to spread their stomach bug to cats and vice versa, it’s always best to isolate as best as possible, wash your hands, and treat the environment.