Reviewed by Dr. Terry White, DVM
As a cat owner, dealing with diarrhea can be one of the more frustrating and worrisome experiences. Not only does it affect your cat’s comfort, but it also creates an unpleasant environment for everyone in your home. You’re left wondering, “Why does my cat have diarrhea?”, “Is it serious?”, and most importantly, “How can I help them get better quickly?”
In this blog, we will explore the common causes of diarrhea in cats, when you should take your cat to the vet, and how to manage mild cases of diarrhea at home. We’ll also share practical tips and preventative measures to help keep your cat healthy in the future.
When Is Cat Diarrhea an Emergency?
The most common concern among cat owners is knowing when cat diarrhea is an emergency. If your cat is experiencing diarrhea but otherwise acting normally—eating, drinking, and playing—it may not be a significant concern right away. However, if diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours, or is accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, blood in the stool, or a refusal to eat, these are signs that something more serious could be going on.
When to Contact a Vet Immediately
Diarrhea lasting longer than 24 hours, especially if combined with vomiting.
Signs of dehydration, such as dry gums.
Blood or mucus in the stool.
Lethargy, loss of appetite, or noticeable weight loss.
A very young kitten or an elderly cat, as these groups are more prone to severe dehydration and complications.
In these cases, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian, as persistent or severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration and other complications.
Common Causes of Diarrhea in Cats
Now that you know when to be concerned, let’s dive into the common causes of diarrhea in cats. Diarrhea in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the most common causes include:
1. Dietary Changes
A sudden change in your cat’s diet is one of the most frequent causes of diarrhea. Cats have sensitive digestive systems, and any abrupt transition from one food to another can upset the gut microbiome. This often happens when a new food is introduced too quickly without gradually phasing out the old food over a week or so.
2. Food Allergies and Intolerances
Some cats have allergies or intolerances to specific ingredients in their food, such as proteins (e.g., chicken, beef), dairy, or grains. In these cases, diarrhea is often chronic and may be accompanied by vomiting, itchy skin, or ear infections.
3. Parasites
Intestinal parasites such as worms are a common cause of diarrhea in cats. Symptoms include frequent bowel movements, mucus in the stool, and sometimes blood.
4. Infections
Various infections can upset the digestive system and cause diarrhea in cats. Some common ones include:
Bacterial infections: Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter can all cause diarrhea when ingested, often through contaminated food or water.
Viral infections: Feline panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper), FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), and FeLV (feline leukemia virus) can also result in severe diarrhea. These viruses are especially dangerous for kittens, elderly cats, or cats with compromised immune systems.
Fungal infections: Fungal pathogens like Cryptococcus can cause diarrhea, although this is less common.
Infection-related diarrhea is typically accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial in these cases, as many of these infections can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
5. Stress
Changes in environment, travel, or even the introduction of new pets can cause stress-induced diarrhea in cats.
What to Do if Your Cat Has Diarrhea
If your cat’s diarrhea is mild and not accompanied by other symptoms, there are some things you can do at home to help your cat recover. The following steps are usually safe to try for a day or two, but always contact your vet if symptoms worsen.
Monitor Symptoms Closely: If your cat has diarrhea but is otherwise acting normally, you can monitor them for 24 hours. Keep track of the frequency of bowel movements and any other changes, such as vomiting or lethargy.
Offer a Bland Diet: In mild cases of diarrhea, vets often recommend feeding a bland diet to help settle your cat’s stomach. You can try feeding them boiled chicken or white fish, both of which are easy to digest. Be sure to avoid any fatty or rich foods. Probiotics designed for cats can also help restore healthy gut bacteria.
Hydration is Key: Cats with diarrhea lose a lot of water, which can quickly lead to dehydration. Ensure your cat has plenty of fresh water available, and encourage them to drink. You can even offer them water-rich foods like wet cat food during this time.
Keep Their Environment Calm: Stress can worsen symptoms of diarrhea. Create a quiet and stress-free environment where your cat can rest. If your cat is easily stressed, you might also consider using calming sprays.
When Home Care Isn’t Enough: Vet Treatments for Diarrhea
If home remedies aren’t improving your cat’s condition within 24 hours, or if your cat has other concerning symptoms, it’s time to visit your vet. Depending on the underlying cause, treatments for diarrhea in cats can vary widely. Here’s what you can expect:
Diagnostic Tests: Your vet may run fecal tests, blood work, or even perform X-rays or ultrasounds to determine the cause of your cat’s diarrhea. If the cause is an infection or parasites, they will prescribe medications to treat it.
Medications: If your cat’s diarrhea is due to inflammation in the gut or a bacterial infection, your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, or probiotics. These treatments help soothe the digestive tract and restore balance.
Intravenous Fluids: For cats that are severely dehydrated, IV fluids may be administered to restore electrolyte balance and prevent further complications.
Prescription Diets: In cases of chronic diarrhea caused by food intolerances or allergies, your vet may recommend a specialized diet. This could include hypoallergenic foods or a prescription diet designed for cats with sensitive stomachs.
Cat Vomiting and Diarrhea: Common Causes
Vomiting and diarrhea often occur together when the digestive system is severely irritated. Here are some potential reasons for both symptoms occurring at once:
Dietary Indiscretion: If your cat has eaten something inappropriate, like spoiled food or non-food items (such as string or plants), it could lead to both vomiting and diarrhea. This is especially common in outdoor cats.
Infections: Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections can irritate both the stomach and intestines, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. Conditions like feline distemper (feline parvovirus) can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can lead to both vomiting and diarrhea. Cats with pancreatitis often show additional signs, such as abdominal pain and lethargy.
Food Allergies or Intolerances: A food allergy or intolerance can upset the entire digestive system, leading to chronic vomiting and diarrhea.
Toxins and Poisoning: Ingesting toxic substances, including household cleaners, certain plants, or human medications, can cause your cat to vomit and have diarrhea simultaneously.
How to Prevent Cat Diarrhea in the Future
Once your cat is on the road to recovery, you’ll want to take steps to prevent diarrhea from returning. Here are some preventative measures you can take:
Avoid Sudden Diet Changes
Always introduce new foods gradually over a period of 5-7 days. This allows your cat’s digestive system to adjust and reduces the risk of diarrhea.
Routine Vet Checkups
Regular veterinary visits can help catch issues like parasites or infections early, before they cause serious symptoms.
Maintain a Stress-Free Environment
Cats are sensitive creatures, and stress can cause gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea. Try to keep your cat’s routine consistent and use calming aids if necessary.
Keep Your Cat’s Environment Safe
Cats that go outdoors are more likely to eat something they shouldn’t, leading to stomach upsets. Consider keeping your cat indoors or monitoring them closely to prevent them from ingesting harmful substances.
Are You Seeing Your Cat Having Diarrhea?
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