If your cat has diarrhea, you’re probably wondering what’s going on and how worried you should be. Diarrhea is a really common symptom in cats, and a whole range of things can cause it.
It’s important to remember that diarrhea itself isn’t a disease, but a symptom of an underlying issue. So, the question isn’t just “why did my cat have diarrhea?” but what’s causing the diarrhea?
This article will explore the potential reasons for diarrhea in cats and help you decide when a vet visit is necessary.
How can I tell if my cat has diarrhea?
Diarrhea in cats means loose or liquid poop, more trips to the litter box, and sometimes accidents outside the litter box.
Your cat might also vomit, lose their appetite, seem tired, or show signs of dehydration.
It’s important to pay attention to your cat’s toilet habits and the consistency of their stool. If you have several cats, try to figure out which one has diarrhea. This might be easier if each cat has their own litter box.
Common Causes of Diarrhea in Cats
There are a lot of reasons a cat might have diarrhea. Here are some of the most common:
Dietary Issues
- Dietary indiscretions: If your cat has been eating spoiled food or raiding the garbage, that can definitely cause digestive upset. Keep human food and small objects that your cat might swallow out of reach.
- Sudden diet changes: Introducing new foods too fast can also cause diarrhea. When you switch cat foods, do it gradually to give your cat’s digestive system time to adjust. Your veterinarian can give you recommendations on how to best change your cat’s diet.
- Food intolerance or allergies: Cats can have reactions to specific ingredients like beef, dairy, or fish. These allergies or food intolerances can cause gastrointestinal distress.
Parasitic Infections
- Common parasites: Worms (like roundworms and hookworms) and protozoa (like Giardia and Coccidia) are common causes of diarrhea in cats. These parasites can irritate the intestinal lining. Regular deworming is crucial for prevention.
Infections
- Types of infections: Bacterial infections (like Salmonella), viral infections (like feline panleukopenia), and fungal infections can all disrupt your cat’s gut flora and cause diarrhea.
Stress and Anxiety
- Stress as a trigger: Stressful events can affect a cat’s digestive system. Changes in their environment, new pets in the house, or loud noises can all induce stress. Try to create a calm and stable environment for your cat.
Other Medical Conditions
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This is a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. IBD requires a veterinarian’s diagnosis and ongoing management.
- Organ dysfunction: Liver or kidney disease can sometimes manifest as diarrhea, especially in older cats.
- Underlying medical conditions: Sometimes hyperthyroidism or diabetes can be associated with diarrhea.
Household Hazards and Toxins
Cats sometimes get diarrhea because they’ve eaten something poisonous. Many household plants, cleaning products, and even human medications can cause diarrhea in cats.
Make sure you know which houseplants are toxic to cats. Keep things like cleaning sprays, antifreeze, and human drugs locked away where cats can’t get to them.
If you think your cat has swallowed something toxic, get it to a vet immediately.
How is diarrhea diagnosed and treated?
If your cat has diarrhea, a vet will want to know its medical history and perform a physical exam. You’ll probably be asked to bring in a fresh stool sample.
The vet may also order tests, such as fecal tests, blood work, and imaging.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the diarrhea. It could include:
- Withholding food for a short time
- Feeding a special diet for gastrointestinal issues
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Deworming medications
- Probiotics
- In severe cases, hospitalization and IV fluids
In Closing
If your cat has diarrhea that lasts more than two days, if there’s blood in their stool, or if they seem tired, are vomiting, or show other signs of illness, see a veterinarian right away.
You can help prevent diarrhea by scheduling regular vet checkups, keeping your cat up-to-date on their shots, controlling parasites, making diet changes slowly, and keeping your cat in a safe, clean environment.