Cat Diarrhea: Why It Happens and How to Stop It

 

If your cat has diarrhea but acting normal, you may wonder what is causing it and how to treat it. In this article, we will explain everything.

If you are a cat owner, you probably know how unpleasant it is to deal with cat diarrhea. 

Not only does it make a mess in the litter box, but it can also indicate a serious health problem for your feline friend. 

But what if your cat has diarrhea but acting normal? Should you be worried or not? The answer is: it depends. 

Diarrhea is a common symptom of many diseases and conditions, and it can vary in severity, frequency, and duration. 

Some cases of cat diarrhea are mild and self-limiting, while others are severe and require immediate veterinary attention. 

In this article, we will explain the possible causes, symptoms, and treatments of cat diarrhea, and how to prevent it with discount pet products online.

What Causes Cat Diarrhea?

There are many possible causes of cat diarrhea, ranging from harmless to life-threatening. Some of the most common ones are:

Dietary changes or indiscretion

Cats are sensitive to changes in their diet, and they may develop diarrhea if they eat something new, spoiled, or toxic. 

This can include human food, table scraps, plants, garbage, or foreign objects. Cats may also have food allergies or intolerances that can trigger diarrhea.

Infections

Cats can get infected by various parasites, bacteria, viruses, or fungi that can cause diarrhea. 

Some examples are roundworms, tapeworms, giardia, salmonella, E. coli, feline coronavirus, feline leukemia virus, and feline immunodeficiency virus.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

This is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and irritation of the intestinal lining. 

It can result in diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and poor appetite. The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but it may be related to genetics, immune system dysfunction, or environmental factors.

Stress

Cats are prone to stress and anxiety, which can affect their digestive system. 

Stressful events such as moving to a new home, introducing a new pet or family member, or changing the routine can trigger diarrhea in some cats.

Other diseases or conditions

Diarrhea can also be a symptom of other underlying diseases or conditions that affect the digestive system or other organs. 

Some examples are pancreatitis, liver disease, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, cancer, or colitis.

What Are the Symptoms of Cat Diarrhea?

The main symptom of cat diarrhea is abnormal stool consistency. Normal cat stool should be firm and well-formed, while diarrhea can be soft, loose, watery, or even bloody. Other symptoms that may accompany cat diarrhea are:

• Increased frequency or urgency of defecation
• Straining or pain during defecation
• Mucus or worms in the stool
• Accidents outside the litter box
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite or weight
• Dehydration
• Lethargy or weakness
• Fever

How to Treat Cat Diarrhea?

The treatment of cat diarrhea depends on the cause and severity of the condition. 

In some cases, cat diarrhea may resolve on its own within a day or two without any intervention. 

However, if diarrhea persists for more than two days, is severe or bloody, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, appetite loss, or dehydration, you should take your cat to the vet as soon as possible.

The vet will perform a physical exam and run some tests to determine the cause of the diarrhea. 

These tests may include blood work, urinalysis, fecal analysis, x-rays, or ultrasound. Based on the diagnosis, the vet will prescribe the appropriate treatment for your cat.

The treatment may include:

Fluid therapy

This is to replenish the fluids and electrolytes lost due to diarrhea and prevent dehydration. Fluids can be given orally, subcutaneously, or intravenously, depending on the severity of the condition.

Antibiotics

These are used to treat bacterial infections that cause diarrhea. Antibiotics should be given only under veterinary supervision, as they can also disrupt the normal intestinal flora and cause more problems.

Antiparasitics

These are used to treat parasitic infections that cause diarrhea. Antiparasitics can be given orally, topically, or by injection, depending on the type of parasite.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

These are used to reduce inflammation and irritation of the intestinal lining caused by IBD or colitis. Anti-inflammatory drugs can be given orally, by injection, or by enema, depending on the location and severity of the inflammation.

Probiotics

These are beneficial bacteria that help restore the balance of the intestinal flora and improve digestion. Probiotics can be given orally, as capsules, powders, or liquids, or added to food or water.

Dietary changes

This is to provide a bland and easily digestible diet that does not aggravate the diarrhea. The diet should be low in fat, fiber, and dairy, and high in protein and moisture. 

The diet can be homemade or commercial, as long as it is suitable for your cat’s condition and preferences. 

The diet should be introduced gradually over a week, mixing it with the old food until the transition is complete.