A cat parent walks into the litter box room, and something’s not quite right. The cat’s been having diarrhea. It’s a common issue, but it’s always a bit concerning, especially if a furry friend is usually so regular with their bathroom habits. This article explores what cat diarrhea is, what causes it, and what to do to help a feline friend feel better.
Understanding the Scoop on Cat Diarrhea
Diarrhea in cats means their stool is looser, more watery, or more frequent than usual. Sometimes, it even contains blood or mucus. It’s important to understand the different types of diarrhea so cat parents better understand what is possibly happening with their cat.
Acute Diarrhea
Acute diarrhea comes on suddenly and lasts for a short time, usually less than two days. It is usually caused by something the cat ate, a sudden change in their diet, or even stress from a change in their environment.
Chronic Diarrhea
Chronic diarrhea is ongoing or keeps coming back. This type of diarrhea is a sign of a more serious underlying issue and warrants a trip to the veterinarian.
Along with changes in their stool, cats with diarrhea show other signs like straining to defecate, having accidents outside the litter box, vomiting, or seeming tired. Keep an eye out for these symptoms of cat diarrhea, as they help cat parents and the vet determine the severity of the situation.
What Causes Cat Diarrhea?
There are many possible causes of diarrhea in cats. Take a closer look at some of the most common culprits.
Dietary Issues
A sudden change in a cat’s food, eating something they shouldn’t (like table scraps, spoiled food, or even houseplants), or food allergies all lead to diarrhea. If a food allergy is suspected, talk to the cat’s attending veterinarian about cat food allergy diarrhea, and potential food intolerance in cats. They help identify the offending ingredient and recommend an appropriate diet.
Infections
Bacterial infections, viral infections, and parasites like worms or protozoa also cause diarrhea. A fecal exam helps identify the possible cause of diarrhea such as parasites or bacterial infection. These infections are serious, especially in kittens or older cats, so prompt treatment is important.
Underlying Health Conditions
Sometimes, diarrhea is a symptom of a more serious health problem, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, liver disease, or even cancer. If a cat has chronic diarrhea, the veterinarian investigates conditions like IBD cat diarrhea or hyperthyroidism cat diarrhea. Early diagnosis and management of these conditions are crucial for a cat’s overall health.
Other Factors
Medications, stress, and toxins also upset the cat’s digestive system and lead to diarrhea. If it is suspected that a cat has ingested a toxin, contact the cat’s vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
When is The Time to See the Vet?
While some cases of diarrhea resolve on their own, others require veterinary attention. Some situations that necessitate immediate care are listed below.
Urgent Situations
- Diarrhea in kittens: Kittens dehydrate quickly and are more vulnerable to complications. Even a short bout of diarrhea is serious for them.
- Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours: If the diarrhea persists, it’s time to see the vet. This is especially true if a cat is also experiencing other symptoms.
- Severe dehydration: Look for signs like lethargy, sunken eyes, and loss of skin elasticity. Dehydration is life-threatening, so prompt treatment is essential.
- Blood in stool: Especially dark, tarry stools, which indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract. Bright red blood also causes concern.
- Other symptoms: Vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, or any other concerning signs warrant a vet visit.
When taking a cat to the vet, bring a fresh stool sample. This helps veterinarians diagnose the cause of the diarrhea. Also, be prepared to provide information about the cat’s immediate history, diet, recent changes in their environment or routine, and any potential exposures to toxins or other animals.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Cat Diarrhea
The veterinarian likely performs a physical exam and recommends some diagnostic tests to determine the cause of a cat’s diarrhea. Some of these tests are listed below.
Diagnostic Tests
- Fecal examination to check for parasites and infections. This is often the first step in diagnosing the cause of diarrhea.
- Blood tests to assess organ function and overall health. These tests reveal underlying conditions like kidney or liver disease.
- Urinalysis to evaluate kidney function and hydration status. This helps determine if a cat is dehydrated.
- Imaging (X-rays, ultrasound) to visualize the digestive tract. This helps identify blockages, tumors, or other abnormalities.
- Endoscopy/colonoscopy to examine the lining of the intestines. This is a more invasive procedure but necessary in some cases.
Once the cause is identified, the vet recommends appropriate cat diarrhea treatment.
Treatment Options
- Dietary management, such as a bland diet or prescription cat food for diarrhea. The vet recommends specific diets formulated to address different digestive issues.
- Medications like antidiarrheals, antibiotics, or dewormers. The type of medication depends on the underlying cause of the diarrhea.
- Fluid therapy to address dehydration. This is administered intravenously or subcutaneously.
Home Care for A Cat with Diarrhea
While veterinarians provide the necessary treatment, cat parents also help their cats feel better at home.
Hydration
Make sure a cat has access to fresh, clean water at all times. Place multiple water bowls in different locations to encourage drinking. The vet also recommends electrolyte solutions to help replace lost fluids and minerals.
Dietary Adjustments
Temporarily switch to a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice. This is easy to digest and helps soothe the cat’s digestive system. When introducing new foods, do so gradually. Avoid giving a cat table scraps or treats, as these worsen the diarrhea.
Environmental Management
Create a calm and comfortable space for a cat. Stress exacerbates digestive issues, so minimizing stressors is important. Provide multiple litter boxes to encourage regular elimination and make cleaning up accidents easier.
These home remedies for cat diarrhea help support a cat’s recovery and improve their comfort.
Preventing Future Episodes
While not all cases of diarrhea are preventable, some steps to take to reduce the risks are listed below.
Dietary Management
Feed cats with a high-quality, balanced diet and avoid sudden food changes. Sudden changes disrupt the balance of bacteria in a cat’s gut, leading to diarrhea. Store food properly to prevent spoilage, as spoiled food also causes digestive upset.
Parasite Control
Keep a cat on a regular deworming schedule and use preventative medications as recommended by the cat’s veterinarian. Parasites irritate the digestive tract and cause diarrhea.
Vaccinations
Ensure the cat’s vaccinations are up to date to protect them from infectious diseases that cause diarrhea.
Regular Vet Checkups
Regular checkups help detect potential health issues early on before they become serious and lead to complications like diarrhea.
By taking these preventive measures, cat parents help their cat maintain a healthy digestive system and reduce the likelihood of future diarrhea episodes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What To Give My Cat for Diarrhea?
It’s crucial to consult a vet before giving the cat any medication for diarrhea. Some human medications are harmful to cats. The cat’s attending vet recommends safe and effective options based on the cat’s specific needs.
Is Cat Diarrhea Contagious?
Some causes of cat diarrhea, like certain infections, are contagious to other cats. If a cat has diarrhea, it’s best to keep them separated from other cats in the household until the cause is determined and treated. This helps prevent the spread of infection.
How Long Does Cat Diarrhea Last?
The duration of cat diarrhea depends on the underlying cause. Acute diarrhea resolves within a day or two, while chronic diarrhea persists for weeks or months until the underlying condition is managed. If concerned about the duration of a cat’s diarrhea, consult the cat’s veterinarian.
Is Human Anti-Diarrheal Medication Good for My Cat?
No, it’s not safe to give a cat human anti-diarrheal medication. These medications have serious side effects in cats and even worsen the condition. Always consult the cat’s vet for appropriate treatment options.
What To Do If My Cat Has Diarrhea and Is Vomiting?
If a cat is experiencing both diarrhea and vomiting, it’s important to seek veterinary attention promptly. This combination of symptoms indicates a more serious underlying condition and leads to dehydration more quickly. The cat’s vet assesses the cat’s condition and provides appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
Cat diarrhea is a messy and concerning issue, but with proper care and management, most cats recover quickly. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, cat parents help a feline friend stay healthy and comfortable. Remember, the cat’s veterinarian is the best resource for guidance and support in managing a cat’s diarrhea. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them with any questions or concerns. With the cat’s parent’s attentive care and the cat’s vet’s expertise, the cat’s recovery is a smooth one.