Cause Ibs Article
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and its Effects on Cats
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not confined to humans, it is present in animals especially cats. IBS that is experienced by people is similar ones in cats.The Irritable Bowel Syndrome among cats produces the same gastrointestinal symptoms felt by human. The large and/or small intestines are also affected. IBS in cats usually cause faulty contractions of the muscles of the digestive tract resulting to irregular bowel movement and pain. In addition, IBS affects with the normal distribution of food and the rate of waste disposal inside the cat's body resulting illness and increased mucus in the intestine of cats.
The toxins that accumulates can obstruct the normal smooth function of the digestive tract. As a result, gas and stool are trapped causing bloating, constipation and abdominal distention. The factors the trigger IBS symptoms in human have been identified to cause the same effects among cats. Factors causing IBS such as stress, overuse of antibiotics, poor eating habits, parasites, bacterial, and viral infection and some food allergies are implicated in IBS in cats.
Likewise, a blockage is also very common among cats since they love to chew as well as swallow objects. This too can trigger IBS symptoms.
Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Cats
Cats and humans exhibit the same Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. And here are some of them:- Constipation among cats is just like in humans. With slow transit time in the large gut, more water in absorbed and the stools become hard. The stools are hard, small, pebble-like stools. This makes bowel movement very difficult.
- Diarrhea is a more frequent bowel movement and the stool is often
soft and watery. This is when the transit time is shorter than normal.
Cats with IBS usually experience successive loose bowel movement often
alternating with constipation.
- Abdominal pain is also common among cats with IBS. The pain can
range from mild to severe and caused by strong peristaltic contractions
of the gut muscles.
- The presence of mucus in the stool is also a common sign of IBS.
This is not so common in humans.
- IBS in cats can cause vomiting and nausea.
- Gas pain or flatulence is also an indication of IBS in cats
- Bloating in common. The abdomen distends visibly.
- Intolerance to certain types of foods is not uncommon.
- Anorexia can develop in cats with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This
is a loss of appetite..
Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome in your cat.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome involves many factors. This is why it is so difficult to treat. Have your cat examined by a veterinarian. This examination will exclude serious conditions.Once the diagnosis of IBS is made, you can then start working out what is triggering IBS symptoms in your pet cat. Even if you are considering natural methods to control your cat's IBS symptoms, it is better to consult first a veterinarian before trying any type of IBS treatment to your cat.
Try changing your cat's diet to help control Irritable Bowel syndrome. However make sure that you consult a veterinarian or a nutritionist to provide your cat with a personalized diet and program. Your cat's nutrition must not be compromised.
Selecting the right type of food is still the best way to control your cat's Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Cats like humans prefer different types of foods. There are some cats that like eating raw food while there are some that prefers home cooking or canned food.
Experiment with food variety until you find the right group that works for your cat. If you can keep a food journal in which you note foods that your cat needs to avoid then so much the better. This will guide you on the proper food to give your cat and importantly, helps to keep IBS symptoms in control.
