Feline Diarrhea: Insights Provided by Hanie Elfenbein, DVM, Reviewed by Emily Oliver, CVT, Updated on 06/04/2024, Accessible on Facebook, Twitter, Email, and Print.

Feline Diarrhea: Insights Provided by Hanie Elfenbein, DVM, Reviewed by Emily Oliver, CVT, Updated on 06/04/2024, Accessible on Facebook, Twitter, Email, and Print.

Cat owners may face the unsavory issue of diarrhea in their furry friends. While it's not a pleasant topic, it's something many cat parents will encounter in their kitty's lifetime.

The good news? Most cases of diarrhea are straightforward and easy to handle with a few days of medication and an easy-to-digest diet. But when it's severe or lasts for more than a few days, it could signal a serious illness, and it's time for a trip to the vet.

Understanding Feline Diarrhea

Diarrhea in cats is characterized by soft or liquid stool that results from an infection or inflammation of the intestines. During the usual digestion process, a cat's intestines contract and relax in a specific sequence, known as peristalsis. This process helps pass partially digested food along the intestines until it's fully digested, ready to be eliminated as feces. Problems in the intestines can lead to cramping, discomfort, and the urgency of diarrhea. If your cat is sick or experiencing a gastrointestinal issue, her body might not have the time or capacity to absorb liquid and nutrients, which are lost in the diarrhea. This may lead to a lack of appetite or vomiting. Over time, diarrhea can lead to dehydration in cats.

Cats can experience acute diarrhea (which comes on quickly and lasts for just a short period) or chronic diarrhea (which keeps coming back and can be serious or even fatal).

Types of Diarrhea in Cats

Diarrhea can look different depending on the underlying cause. Understanding your cat's diarrhea can help you describe it to your veterinarian when you need advice or treatment.

• Watery diarrhea: Occurs when a cat expels all fecal material but continues to feel the urge to defecate. It can also happen when there is an obstruction preventing normal fecal passage.
• Bloody diarrhea: May be caused by small amounts of blood visible on the diarrhea or diarrhea that is completely red. Any diarrhea with blood is cause for concern and warrants a visit to the veterinarian.
• Diarrhea with mucus: Indicates irritation to the inner lining of the intestines. A layer of mucus normally protects intestinal cells from irritation, but when irritation starts, it can attach to the fecal material and be eliminated with the diarrhea.
• White or gray diarrhea: Often associated with the parasite coccidia, which commonly affects kittens, unhealthy cats, or cats in overcrowded situations.
• Dark (tarry) diarrhea: Indicates digested blood and may signal issues in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.

Causes of Feline Diarrhea

Diarrhea in cats can be caused by a range of factors, including diet, stress, toxins, and disease.

• Dietary changes: Diet and nutrition can play a role in diarrhea. This might result from eating table scraps, unfamiliar food, or non-food items like tinsel, rubber bands, and bits of string. Foreign objects can potentially cause an intestinal blockage.
• Toxicity: Some plants are toxic to cats, and curious felines who chew on them can become sick with diarrhea, vomiting, or other symptoms of illness.
• Stress: Cats are sensitive to change, which can lead to stress and, in turn, diarrhea. Stress triggers can include changes in routine, moving furniture, or altering the temperature in the home (e.g., from heat to air conditioning in the spring).
• Parasites and bacteria: Infectious diarrhea caused by parasites or bacteria is most common in kittens, outdoor cats, and those with a compromised immune system. Common culprits include intestinal parasites such as coccidia, worms, and single-celled organisms like tritrichomonas.
• Other: Nearly anything can cause cat diarrhea. It can be a condition your cat is born with, result from diseases affecting other organs, or have an unknown cause.

Symptoms of Diarrhea in Cats

Diarrhea is a symptom, not a disease, and working with a veterinarian to discover the underlying cause is essential for proper treatment. Cats with diarrhea may take more frequent trips to the litter box or have accidents outside the litter box. Symptoms associated with feline diarrhea include dehydration, decreased appetite, defecating outside the litter box, and fecal material around the anus.

Diagnosing Feline Diarrhea

Diagnosing the cause of diarrhea in cats can range from straightforward to complicated. Diagnosis always starts with a physical examination of your cat. Your veterinarian will check for dehydration, pain or discomfort in the abdomen, weight loss, and other signs of illness. Common intestinal parasites can be diagnosed during a veterinary visit with a simple fecal test. If your veterinarian suspects an obstruction, they will recommend X-rays and/or an ultrasound. If exposure to a toxin is suspected, your veterinarian will perform a complete blood count and blood chemistry panel to assess internal damage.

Treating Feline Diarrhea

Treatment for feline diarrhea depends on its severity and underlying cause. For mild cases, try a bland diet like canned baby food or a teaspoon of pumpkin per meal to help resolve symptoms. To reduce stress, provide your cat with places to hide, an additional litter box, a new water dish, and new toys. Avoid giving your cat Imodium or other medications intended for humans.

If your cat's diarrhea persists beyond 24-48 hours, schedule a veterinary visit. Your veterinarian may use medications to kill offending organisms, prescribe an anti-diarrheal medication, or recommend diet changes (such as a novel-protein diet with ingredients like venison, sardines, salmon, and trout).

When it comes to gastrointestinal issues, prevention is key. Ensure your cat's diet is well-balanced and seasonal indoor plants are kept out of reach. Use a monthly dewormer and reduce your cat's stress levels by providing safe spaces and a consistent routine.

Related Conditions

• Constipation
• Megacolon
• Inflammatory bowel disease / small cell lymphoma
• Food allergies
• Triaditis

Sources

1. "Troubleshooting: Diarrhea in Cats" - Merck Veterinary Manual
2. "After You Scoop: Cat Diarrhea" - Merck Veterinary Manual
3. "Chronic Diarrhea in Cats" - VCA Hospitals
4. "Diarrhea in Cats - What Are the Causes and How Can You Help Your Cat?" - Hills Pet
5. "How to Treat Cat Diarrhea: 13 Home Remedies that Work Fast" - PetMD
6. Pet health is essential, and understanding diarrhea in cats can help pet owners make informed decisions about their feline's health and wellness.
7. As cat owners delve deeper into comprehending their pets' health, they might benefit from considering pet insurance to cover unforeseen medical costs associated with mental and physical health issues, such as diarrhea.

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