Diarrhea is easily one of the messiest and most distressing symptoms a cat parent may experience in their feline friend. Here, our Clackamas vets discuss the common causes of diarrhea in cats and when to know when this condition becomes serious.
If your cat has diarrhea, chances are that you want to figure out why a help them recover from this distressing symptom as quickly as possible. Below are some of the most common reasons why your cat may have diarrhea and when it's time to bring them to see your vet.
Diarrhea in Cats
Mild bouts of diarrhea can be quite common in our feline friends and may be caused by mild intestinal distress caused by our kitty either eating something that doesn't agree with them such as table scraps, or just from the act of switching to a new brand or flavor of food.
With that being said, several more serious health conditions may be contributing to your cat suffering from diarrhea.
What Causes Diarrhea In Pets?
Below are some of the most common reasons for cat diarrhea:
- Colitis
- Parasites
- Viral infection
- Stress or anxiety
- Intestinal cancer
- Change in diet or treats
- Eating garbage or spoiled food
- Ingesting toxins or poisons
- Liver or kidney disease
- Bacterial infections
- Pancreatitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Medications such as antibiotics
- Ingestion of foreign objects such as toys and fabric
However, how do you know whether or not your cat's diarrhea will require a visit to your veterinarian? When is it serious enough to warrant medical attention?
When To Contact Your Vet About Diarrhea In Cats?
If your pet has a single episode of diarrhea but is otherwise acting normally, it's likely not a cause for concern. Monitor your pet's bowel movements to see if things clear up. If your cat experiences more than 2 episodes in short succession, this may indicate an issue, so it's generally a good idea to contact your veterinarian if your cat has two or more bouts of diarrhea.
If your pet appears to be straining to pass a stool but only passing small amounts of watery diarrhea, it could be experiencing a painful blockage due to the ingestion of a foreign object such as a toy. This is a very serious concern and needs urgent veterinary attention, contact your vet right away or head to the nearest emergency animal hospital for care.
Recurring diarrhea over a short period is likely a cause for concern, and may even be a sign of a much more serious underlying health issue. This is particularly true if your pet is very old, very young, or has a compromised immune system. A number of these infections can be quite serious, contagious, or even life-threatening. Contact your vet right away if your pet is experiencing repeated bouts of diarrhea.
Cats that are showing other symptoms as well as diarrhea should also be seen by a vet as soon as possible. If your pet has any of the following symptoms contact your vet right away to make an appointment:
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Blood in stool
- Unusual drooling
- Lack of Appetite
- Signs of dehydration (Sunken dry-looking eyes, dry nose, or dry, sticky gums)
If your cat is showing symptoms that are causing you concern, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet will let you know whether or not your cat's symptoms indicate that examination and treatment are necessary.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.