Bengal Cat with Diarrhea – Causes, and Remedies

A Bengal cat’s regularly upset digestive system remains a significant concern, so I decided to address some serious issues, its causes, and practical solutions.

A Bengal cat with diarrhea is no news to anyone anymore. Most owners complain of Bengal cat runny poo and frequent trips to the litter box. According to veteran breeders, a Bengal cat’s digestive system remains disturbed most of the time due to Tritrichomonas foetus, a virus found in the cat’s intestinal tract.

However, there is a lot to more to learn about this topic, so let’s discuss further its history and treatment, etc.

Common causes of Bengal cat’s diarrhea

1. Nervousness leading to diarrhea in Bengal cats

So it has been observed in most of the cases that when brought home, the Bengal kittens/cats seem to be fine with their very first poop.

However, it all starts from the 2nd or 3rd one; that’s when the owner begins worrying about the Bengal’s tummy and then for the insane smell in the house.

You can say that just like humans, cats might also get nervous or feel uneasy with a change in the environment, resulting in an upset digestive system.

2. Tritrichomonas foetus virus and diarrhea in Bengals

But the reason for diarrhea in Bengal cats is the Tritrichomonas foetus virus.

Tritrichomonas foetus is a pathogen that is supposed to be in the digestive and intestinal tract of every cat, which is the main cause of frequent Bengal cat runny poo.

3. Other lesser common possibilities for diarrhea

Apart from this, there are possibilities of several other causes that I’ve also gathered after getting in touch with experienced Bengal breeders and cat owners.

  • They might not be used to the particular cat food that you’re offering.
  • It is okay to feed boiled rice and meat, but the cat might not be familiar with its taste or cooking method. In that case, Bengal cats might get diarrhea from boiled rice or meat.
  • The supplements given to your Bengal might not be suitable according to the changed atmosphere like weather etc.
  • There are certain antibiotics and other medicines prescribed by vets to normalize the digestive system of your cat, but it is possible that they might react differently.

One of these causes will definitely provide an answer to your problems related to the gastric disorders of your Bengal so look for it and treat it accordingly.

Which foods to avoid for Bengal cats?

Now that we all know the possible causes of the upset Bengal tummy, it is important to understand that food plays a significant role in this regard.

Without a doubt, Tritrichomonas foetus is the primary reason behind diarrhea in Bengal cats.

But with the help of a balanced diet and some changes in the diet routine, the problem can be gradually solved.

Therefore:

After doing some research, I’ve curated a list of foods that shouldn’t be fed to your Bengal cat.

These foods include:

  • Meat or chicken with unnecessary spices
  • Grain-based foods like bread, pasta, etc.
  • Canned food like tuna or chicken
  • Wheat, corn, and soy

Also, feeding a raw diet to a Bengal also works in its favor as long as your vet approves.

Why is your vet’s approval necessary for feeding raw meat to your Bengal cat?

Well, there are supplements that need to go along with a raw meat diet to avoid other stomach problems.

Do Bengal cats lose weight?

Bengal cats often do not lose weight even after frequently using the litter box and passing runny stools.

It’s not usually the sickness that makes a Bengal cat lose its appetite or immunity.

If that would have been the case, then your Bengal would refuse water and all types of food until the poop becomes normal.

However, when Bengal cats have diarrhea because of parasites in the intestinal tract, their food intake increases day by day.

In short, diarrhea due to viral infection in Bengal cats increases food intake and doesn’t decrease it.

Hence, losing weight is out of the question.

Not just that:

Bengal cats remain incredibly active throughout the day despite passing loose poop.

Also, during diarrhea in Bengal cats, there is no change in behavior like irritation or crankiness.

That’s because diarrhea is pretty normal for a Bengal cat up till a certain age.

However, if you notice any of these changes like reduced weight or behavioral issues, then definitely consult your vet.

Bengal cat with diarrhea: Does it get any better?

Being a veteran Bengal cat owner, I can claim that a Bengal cat’s diarrhea often gets better after some time of continuous treatment and precautions.

If you have a Bengal kitten:

Then it would most probably get rid of this problem by the time it becomes an adult cat.

So some carefulness with food, supplements, and medicines helps a lot in quick treatment of diarrhea in Bengal cats.

Here is a list of some foods that prove to be beneficial in treating a Bengal cat’s diarrhea or making it better for the time being.

  • Canned pumpkin
  • Home-boiled chicken or meat
  • Raw food like mice and fish etc. although make sure your Bengal cat hasn’t hunted the mice as hunted mice may contain toxins
  • Any form of dry food

Also, do check for the presence of worms in your Bengal.

If your Bengal cat has worms, they might not allow it to get better despite all the treatments.

This usually happens when Bengal owners merely focus on Tritrichomonas foetus

Effects of diarrhea on a Bengal cat

I know consistent diarrhea sounds to be a chronic health disorder in which the patient feels a loss of appetite and hence, becomes weak.

But the case is opposite in Bengal cats because diarrhea does not affect them much because they’re used to it from birth.

Having said this:

If you witness a change in the normal development of your Bengal, such as not gaining enough weight or remaining dull, make sure to visit a vet as soon as possible.

My experience with Bengal cats has also been smelly due to the same reason, but only until a couple of years.

After that, the parasites either get killed because of treatment or carried away to another cat.

So honestly speaking:

It’s not the Bengal that gets affected by diarrhea but the house members who have to tolerate the unbearable smell.

But is it worth it? It sure is.

As you must have understood by now, a Bengal cat with diarrhea is not something to be worried about or to panic.

You need to follow the correct treatment and take precautions against unhealthy food intake.

FAQs

Can Bengal cats be left alone? Yes, Bengal cats can be left alone, but I don’t think that’s a good idea.

See, Bengal cats are hyperactive, just like a toddler who tries to explore every single thing in the house. Bengal cats often do not care about the consequences of their actions.

So even if you have trained your Bengal to act a certain way around water and fragile items in the house, I’d suggest not to risk it and trust this mischievous creature.

Apart from this, Bengal cats remain fine when left alone and going away for some time does not affect their attachment with you.

Are Bengal cats difficult? The answer to this question has to be in a bit of detail.

You see, there are specific criteria to become a Bengal cat owner and not regret it later.

These criteria are:

  • You love to play and never refuse playtime on the demand of your Bengal
  • You are okay with an attention-seeking and demanding partner in the house
  • You do not mind if things get broken in the house regularly, accidentally or with purpose
  • You are ready to treat a pet with a temporarily disturbed digestive system

How much does a Bengal cat cost? A Bengal cat can cost anywhere from $500 to $2500.

It all depends on the breeder and other factors that decide the cat’s rightful worth.

Also, the big difference in the price range is due to the cat belonging to 2nd, 3rd,4th generation, or onwards.

Other than this:

The size, color, and pattern of the Bengal cat play an essential role in fixing their worth as Snow Bengals are relatively expensive than the other due to their rare color.

Are Bengal cats good house pets? In my opinion, yes, Bengal cats are excellent house pets.

To other cat owners who are used to cuddling, silence, and a forever relaxing cat in the lap, keeping a Bengal cat might not be your thing.

Bengal cats cannot stay at one place for a more extended period and also love to play around all day long.

They are picky eaters, but you have got be careful while feeding them new stuff like soy, etc.

Moreover, Bengal cats are perfect companions as they deeply understand mood swings, anger, or sadness.

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Nadine Oraby

My name is Nadine; I am a passionate writer and a pet lover. People usually call me by the nickname “Joy” because they think that I am a positive and joyful person who is a child at heart. My love for animals triggered me to create this blog. Articles are written by vets, pet experts, and me. Thanks for visiting. Your friend, Nadine!

1 thought on “Bengal Cat with Diarrhea – Causes, and Remedies”

  1. Wow! Thank you for this priceless knowledge , as an owner of this stunning animal (snow bengals) your information is a great help, many thanks, totally besotted, Jude

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