Cleaning your cat’s litter box every day is one of your responsibilities as a cat owner. This allows you to clean your cat’s safe spaces and keep them comfortable. However, it can also be a way to check for any health problems.
Your cat’s stool says a lot about its current health status. Normally, poop retains a solid shape, but not too hard. If it appears to be different, then it raises a concern.
One concern is diarrhea. Cat diarrhea is often a significant sign of a much bigger health issue. To help you understand it, start from what causes it.
What Is Diarrhea in Cats?
Feline diarrhea is the frequent passage of loose and watery stool, which is different from normal stool. It can happen suddenly or for a long period of time. Acute cases last about two weeks while chronic cases take longer.
Diarrhea is a symptom of many different health issues, which means that it’s often accompanied by other related symptoms.
What Are the Common Causes of Cat Diarrhea?
Your cat’s diarrhea can stem from a couple of different reasons, from something as simple as their diet to severe health issues. Here are the common ones:
Dietary Problems
The most common reason for cat diarrhea is often related to diet. Cats have sensitive stomachs, and the slightest change in their food and eating schedule can easily trigger diarrhea.
Food intolerances, sensitivities, and allergies can trigger this condition. Common examples include milk, chicken, and beef. Diarrhea can also happen if cats eat spoiled food or if they eat too much too fast.
Some types of human food should also never be eaten by cats. These foods are considered toxic to them, meaning they can potentially damage a cat’s body. Common examples of food include chocolate, garlic, onions, and alcohol.
Infections
Bacteria and viruses that cause infections can also be the reason for diarrhea. Some bacterial infections, particularly those from Salmonella and E. coli, can result in this symptom. As for viruses, feline parvovirus is the most notorious one that causes diarrhea.
Parasites
Internal and intestinal parasites are one of the most common causes of diarrhea in cats. Parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and giardia are among them. These parasites irritate the lining of the gastrointestinal system, damaging it.
This results in infection, inflammation, and disrupted nutrient absorption.
Toxins and Poison
Chemicals and substances that are toxic to cats can also cause diarrhea, which is usually one of the symptoms. These toxins should never be eaten, as they can potentially cause more than just feline diarrhea. These can include cleaning products, pesticides, and medicines.
Aside from them, there are also certain types of plants toxic to cats.
Stress and Anxiety
Cats are sensitive creatures, and their mental health is fragile. If they experience changes in a routine or a diet plan, they can sometimes fall apart, needing a lot of time to recuperate. During this process, your cat will be visibly troubled, with diarrhea as a common sign.
Chronic Diseases
Usually, feline diarrhea is caused by various chronic health issues. These include:
Pancreatitis. When the pancreas gets inflamed, it doesn’t get to produce the digestive enzymes the body needs for digestion. This leads to diarrhea.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease. IBD is a chronic condition in which the immune system attacks the intestinal lining, causing inflammation and impaired nutrient absorption.
Liver Disease. Liver dysfunction will affect bile production. As a result, cats can develop diarrhea and other digestive issues.
Hyperthyroidism. Excessive thyroid hormone production will increase metabolism, resulting in frequent stools.
Cancer. Tumors or growths along the gastrointestinal tract can cause obstructions, interfering with the normal structure and function.
What Food Gives Cats Diarrhea?
Foods toxic to cats, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, and garlic, can present diarrhea as a symptom. Additionally, other foods your cat is allergic to or has sensitivities to, which can include milk, chicken, and beef, can also give cats diarrhea.
Can Wet Food Cause Diarrhea in Cats?
Yes, wet food can also cause diarrhea in cats. However, it’s not the wet part of the food that actually causes the symptom. It’s more often caused by feeding wet food suddenly or if the cat is allergic to the ingredients of the food.
How to Tell if Your Cat Has Diarrhea?
If your cat has diarrhea, then there will be obvious signs. Here are the common indicators:
Change in Stool Appearance
The first sign of cat diarrhea is a change in the stool’s appearance. A healthy cat will have a firm, brown stool. It should be firm enough to hold shape but not too hard or dry.
When your cat’s stool becomes watery or loose, it’s a sign of diarrhea. The color of your cat’s stool also says a lot. Here’s a closer look.
Brown. This is a healthy and normal color for cat stool.
Black. It can be a sign of bleeding in the digestive tract.
Yellow. Yellow diarrhea in cats often indicates an issue with the liver, gallbladder, or even some types of infections.
Green. Similarly, green diarrhea can also indicate liver or gallbladder issues, as well as infections, parasites, and dietary changes.
White. This is an unnatural stool color and could indicate bile duct obstruction and liver dysfunction.
Red. Red diarrhea comes from internal bleeding, usually within the digestive tract itself.
Increased Bowel Movements
If you notice your cat taking too many trips to the litter box, it could be another sign of diarrhea. A healthy cat will defecate once or twice a day. More than that can be a sign of dietary issues or a much more serious health problem.
Accidents Outside the Litter Box
Even well-trained cats can fall victim to diarrhea, and accidents outside of a litter box can happen while they’re dealing with this issue. If you notice wet stool around your house, even if your cat usually goes in the litter box, it might be a sign of gastrointestinal distress.
Other Symptoms to Watch For
Apart from the changes in stool appearance and defecation behavior, you must keep an eye out for other signs.
Vomiting and abdominal pain. Along with diarrhea, vomiting is a common companion that usually stems from gastrointestinal stress.
Weakness or lethargy. Cats will appear tired and lethargic, opting to rest and lie down for most of the day.
Change in appetite. Loss of appetite is also possible due to the significant stress and discomfort.
Straining to defecate. Some cats with diarrhea will strain because their intestines are irritated or inflamed.
How Do Vets Diagnose Diarrhea in Cats?
Once you bring your pet to the clinic, we’ll start diagnosing the cause of your cat’s diarrhea through a few tests. Here’s what we’ll do:
Physical Examination. We’ll perform an exam to assess your cat’s health, hydration levels, and other related factors.
Fecal Tests. These tests, which can include a fecal flotation, fecal antigen testing, fecal cytology, and fecal culture, all allow us to identify the specific parasite or pathogen responsible for your cat’s diarrhea.
Blood Tests. This method checks for infections, systemic diseases, and overall health.
Diagnostic Imaging. X-rays and ultrasounds detect tumors, obstructions, or any issues in the GI tract.
Dietary Trials. This technique determines if your cat has food intolerances or food allergies.
How to Treat Diarrhea in Cats?
Depending on the cause of your cat’s diarrhea, our vets may prescribe medications, treatments, or various approaches that can help eliminate this bowel issue in your cat.
If food sensitivities or allergies cause your cat’s diarrhea, we may recommend a bland diet in the meantime. This may help soothe your cat’s digestive system. We may also prescribe specific probiotics to help your cat’s gut health and recovery.
Medications can also be prescribed, such as anti-diarrhea medicines, to help manage the symptoms. If it’s caused by bacterial infections, antibiotics may be prescribed. Deworming treatments will be provided for cases of a parasitic infestation.
If your cat’s diarrhea comes from severe health issues such as feline parvo, pancreatitis, liver disease, and many more, then specific treatment options will be provided. All treatments will have supportive care methods to aid in recovery.
What to Do When a Cat Has Diarrhea?
The first thing you should do is switch to a bland diet, such as boiled chicken. This helps feed your cat while minimizing discomfort. Other options that are easily digestible, as well as low in fat and carbohydrates, are recommended.
Vet Tips: How to Prevent Diarrhea in Cats?
Preventing feline diarrhea doesn’t require too much from cat owners. It’s all about taking small steps to support your cat’s health.
Feed a Consistent, High-Quality Diet
Avoid sudden changes and always use food that is low in fat and carbohydrates. Stick to the options we recommend for your cat’s nutrition.
Keep Parasites Under Control
Regular deworming treatments work to eliminate any parasites and prevent any more from causing problems within your cat’s body.
Avoid Table Scraps and Unsafe Food
Human food is generally not recommended for cats, as they might contain ingredients such as chocolate, garlic, and onions.
Visit the Vets
It’s essential to take your cat to your veterinarian regularly. Schedule health consultations to get updates on their health and nutrition.
“A healthy gut is the heart of a happy cat.”
- Dr. Rokas Proscevicius
Final Thoughts
Cat diarrhea can be a preventable problem with proper pet care and proactive veterinary intervention. As a cat owner, it’s important to monitor your cat’s health, which includes checking its stool appearance and behavior regularly.
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