Introduction
Treatment options for colitis in cats depend on why the cat is experiencing colitis and on the severity of the symptoms. In some cases colitis can be cured through medications, and in other cases colitis can be controlled through medical treatments and dietary changes.
Treating Colitis in Cats
Medications
In cases where the cause of the colitis is suspected to be harmful intestinal organisms or parasites, deworming agents and antibiotics are prescribed. A full spectrum deworming, such as drontal, will eliminate any intestinal parasites including ringworm, whipworm, tapeworm, and hookworm. Antibiotics such as metronidazole and tylosin help to eliminate intestinal bacteria which may be causing the colitis to occur. Metronidazole not only helps to kill intestinal bacterial, but it also reduces intestinal inflammation, calms diarrhea symptoms, and kills harmful intestinal protozoa such as Giardia. Tylosin is a broad spectrum antibiotic which also helps to calm inflammation of the large intestine.
Dietary Changes
Specific diets formulated for cats with colitis may also be prescribed by veterinarians in order to control colitis outbreaks in cats. These formulas help to promote good intestinal bacteria and to keep bad bacteria populations from establishing themselves. An elimination diet may also be prescribed if a veterinarian suspects that the colitis is occurring due to a certain type of food ingredient such as dairy products or preservatives.
Environmental Changes
An increased number of colitis outbreaks may occur if a cat is feeling stressed or anxious. To reduce stress-induced colitis outbreaks, a calm and stable environment is recommended.
Steroids
If a change in diet, anti-parasite medications, antibiotics, and a calm environment still do not help to control the colitis outbreaks than the steroid prednisone may be used in severe cases. While prednisone will help to calm the symptoms of colitis, this medication can only be used under the continual supervision of a veterinarian.