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Cat diarrhea is more than just a messy inconvenience; it's a symptom that can indicate underlying health issues in your feline friend.
As a pet parent, recognizing changes in your cat's fecal material is crucial. This guide delves deep into the causes and treatments of cat diarrhea, providing you with the knowledge to address the issue effectively and determine when professional veterinary care is needed.
Whether you're currently facing this challenge or simply wish to be prepared, read on to gain a thorough understanding of this common feline health concern.
Let’s dive in!
What Is Diarrhea in Cats?
Diarrhea in cats is when they pass loose and watery poop more often than usual. However, it's important to note that just because you see runny stool in the litter box, it doesn't automatically mean your cat has diarrhea.
To truly determine if your cat is experiencing diarrhea, there are several factors to consider:
- The severity of the symptoms
- How often your cat is having bowel movements
- How long this condition has been persisting
By paying close attention to these aspects, you can differentiate between occasional loose stools and genuine diarrhea in cats.
What Causes of Cat Diarrhea?
Cat diarrhea can arise from a variety of causes, including dietary changes, food sensitivities, infections, inflammatory conditions, and other underlying health issues. Recognizing these potential triggers can aid in early intervention and appropriate care.
Here are the common causes of diarrhea in cats explained in further detail:
Diet
Dietary issues, sudden changes in diet, or new food can disrupt gut health & cause diarrhea in cats. Different ingredients or rich food are often too potent for their stomachs.
Food allergies or food intolerances
Diarrhea can be caused by food sensitivities brought on by food allergies and intolerance.
Bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections
Infectious factors like intestinal parasites, viruses, and bacteria can cause diarrhea in cats.
Stools with mucus are a sign of parasitic infections, while yellow stools can be a sign of harmful bacteria.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease can cause inflammation of the intestines, which leads to chronic diarrhea. If the stomach is involved, it can cause chronic vomiting.
Other underlying health conditions
Tumors of the bowel or liver disease can also result in diarrhea. Blood in your cat's poop is a sign of intestinal tract bleeding, and you should visit your veterinarian immediately.
Types of Diarrhea in Cats
Diarrhea in cats can be broadly categorized into two types: acute & chronic diarrhea.
Acute Diarrhea
This type of diarrhea is sudden in onset and may resolve quickly, often within a day. It can be triggered by various factors, such as dietary changes or ingestion of something unsuitable.
Chronic Diarrhea
Chronic diarrhea persists for an extended period, typically lasting three to four weeks or even longer. It often indicates more severe underlying issues, such as infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or other health conditions.
Chronic diarrhea usually requires veterinary intervention to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
When to Worry About Cat Diarrhea
While mild diarrhea in cats often resolves by itself, it's essential not to overlook persistent or severe symptoms. If you observe any of the following signs, it's time to consult your veterinarian:
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Continuous or recurring episodes of diarrhea
- Presence of blood in the stool
- Vomiting
- Lethargy or unusual tiredness
- Noticeable weight loss
- Suspicions of consuming contaminated food
Typically, diarrhea lasts 24 hours in kittens and 48 hours in adult cats. There's usually no need to be alarmed if no other symptoms exist. If your cat experiences diarrhea beyond 48 hours and exhibits these other symptoms, it may need medical attention.
Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?
1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?
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Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?
1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?
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Veterinary Diagnosis & Examination
Diagnostic testing depends on the severity of the diarrhea. Your veterinarian will perform a physical checkup or diagnostic tests and recommend diet changes or treatment.
Further tests may include:
- Fecal tests: Includes antigen testing, cytology, fecal flotation, and culturing. This determines whether it's an infectious agent or inflammatory bowel disease causing diarrhea.
- Blood work: Screens for systemic or metabolic causes of diarrhea.
- Ultrasound & X-rays: Abdominal ultrasound, radiology, endoscopy, biopsy, and colonoscopy are examinations to rule out tumors and foreign objects.
Cat Diarrhea Treatment Options
After your cat is examined and the cause determined, your vet will suggest the appropriate treatment.
- Diet changes: A change in your cat's diet may be enough for mild diarrhea.
- Kaolin-based products: In chronic cases, the veterinarian may give cat diarrhea medicine in addition to dietary recommendations.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. Always follow your veterinarian's instructions and complete the course, even if your pet seems better.
- Immunosuppressive drugs: These drugs are given if the underlying cause is inflammatory bowel disease.
📒 Note: Refrain from using human medications on your cat because they can do more harm than good.
Recovery & In-Home Care Options
You can help your pet recover from acute diarrhea by trying the following home remedies:
- Bland meals: If you're wondering what to feed a cat with diarrhea, we recommend small, regular, bland meals like white fish or boiled chicken.
- Water intake: Cats can get dehydrated from diarrhea, so ensure your cat has continuous access to fresh water.
- Rest: To help speed recovery and avoid a relapse, allow your cat plenty of rest and follow your vet's instructions. Observe your cat and report any unusual behavior to the veterinarian.
Prevention of Diarrhea in Cats
The following tips will help you prevent diarrhea in cats:
- Follow your vet's recommended deworming schedule
- Ensure dietary transitions are gradual if you need to change your cat's food
- Avoid ingredients known to cause food allergies and food intolerances
- Dispose of spoiled or old food that can make your cat sick
- Prevent your cat from scavenging
Conclusion
Many pet parents experience feline diarrhea, even with otherwise healthy cats. Because one of the leading causes of cat diarrhea involves food, finding a balanced diet that suits your feline friends is essential. Mild diarrhea is usually nothing to worry about and can be managed at home without medication. If the symptoms are severe, though, visit your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean if my cat has diarrhea but seems fine?
It's not uncommon for cats to experience mild diarrhea. If they seem fine and the diarrhea resolves within a couple of days, there's no reason to worry.
Can I give pumpkins to cats with diarrhea?
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat-based protein daily. It's best to offer your sick cat a bland diet containing protein, such as boiled chicken.
Will cat diarrhea go away on its own?
If it's a mild case with no other symptoms, it may resolve within 48 hours.
