How to prevent diarrhea in cats

Diarrhea is a common ailment in cats caused by many problems ranging from mild to severe. If you are a cat owner, read on if you have ever asked:

• What does diarrhea look like in cats?
• Can cat diarrhea be prevented?
• Why does my cat have diarrhea?
• Should my cat see a vet for diarrhea?

Pet parents never want to see their feline friends suffer from an upset stomach and loose stools. Fortunately, most instances of diarrhea in cats resolve quickly. However, it’s important for pet owners to know the common causes of diarrhea and when to see a veterinarian.

Diarrhea occurs when there is a gastrointestinal issue in cats resulting in loose, watery stools. It is a common symptom of a wide variety of medical conditions. Cats with diarrhea may also experience straining to defecate, increased urgency, and blood or mucus in the stool. The feces may also be an odd color and be particularly foul-smelling.

Acute diarrhea often resolves without treatment in less than 24 hours and is commonly caused by dietary indiscretion. Chronic diarrhea lasts longer than a few days or recurs over time. Cats experiencing chronic diarrhea can often act normally otherwise, so pet parents can overlook it. It can also be difficult to diagnose. In acute and chronic cases, diarrhea can result in rapid dehydration that may need veterinary care, such as fluid therapy.

Not all bouts of diarrhea can be prevented, but there are a few steps cat owners can take to help. Cats do best on a nutritionally complete diet that remains the same daily with access to plenty of fresh water. “Suddenly changing cat foods or giving a large amount of a new treat can cause stomach upset resulting in diarrhea,” explains Vetster veterinarian Jo Myers. “If a food change is needed, start small and slowly introduce it by mixing it with their old food in gradually increasing amounts.”

Other steps you can take are:

• Keep non-food items and houseplants out of reach, even those considered non-toxic to cats
• Keep vaccines and parasite prevention up-to-date
• Use routine fecal exams and wellness checks to catch underlying diseases and medical conditions early

Finally, if your cat needs a new medication, always discuss the potential side effects with your veterinarian.

Diarrhea is a common symptom of many conditions ranging from mild to life-threatening. It’s difficult to know what exactly is causing your cat’s diarrhea without diagnostic tests at a vet clinic. Always visit a veterinarian in cases of bloody diarrhea or if the diarrhea is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting or loss of appetite.

Change in diet

A sudden change in your cat’s diet can lead to stomach upset, resulting in a watery bowel movement. Cats do best on consistent, nutritionally complete food. Giving extra treats and table scraps can also cause cat diarrhea.

Food allergies or food intolerance

Cats can have intolerances or allergies to ingredients in their food just like we can, though other types of allergies are more common in cats. The cause of cat food allergies is unknown, and it can be difficult to pinpoint the ingredient causing food sensitivity.

Dietary indiscretion

Dietary indiscretion occurs when a cat ingests non-food items or food outside their normal diet. Some items can be toxic, including houseplants, cleaners, and rat poison, resulting in severe symptoms. Others can cause an intestinal blockage if the item, such as string, cannot be digested and blocks the intestinal tract. Curious cats with diarrhea may have bitten a leaf or gotten into something else they weren’t supposed to.

Intestinal parasites

Worms and other internal parasites can cause diarrhea in cats. Parasites are common in both indoor and outdoor cats. The only way to help prevent some parasites is by staying on year-round parasite prevention. Routine fecal tests help catch infestations early, which facilitates prompt and effective treatment.

Infectious diseases or other medical conditions

Many feline diseases and conditions have diarrhea as a symptom. Some of these conditions include:

• Pancreatitis
• Bacterial or viral infections
• Cancer
• Liver and kidney disease
• Endocrine disorders
• Inflammatory bowel disease

In most cases of feline diarrhea, if investigation and other symptoms do not point to a problem with the diet, it is likely due to an inflammatory, infectious, or cancerous disorder in the gastrointestinal tract. A veterinarian can help pinpoint the cause of a cat’s diarrhea through diagnostic testing, such as blood tests, fecal examinations, and imaging. Keeping cats up-to-date on their vaccines and parasite control can help prevent some infectious diseases that cause diarrhea, and routine wellness exams can help catch problems to provide treatment.

Medication side effect

Some medications given to cats, such as antibiotics, can cause loose stools as a side effect. This often occurs when the medication disrupts the gut biome, causing stomach upset and diarrhea. Talk to a vet when your cat needs medication to prepare for potential side effects and how to help alleviate them.

It is commonly thought that a cat should be given a bland diet when a bout of diarrhea appears. However, suddenly changing a cat’s diet can make matters even worse. Most cases of diarrhea in healthy adult cats are short-lived and resolve on their own within 12-24 hours. Always consult a veterinarian about a diet change for your cat, as this can cause diarrhea, worsening the situation. Consult a vet in cases of bloody diarrhea or if a kitten is experiencing diarrhea. Kittens with diarrhea can quickly become dehydrated and are more likely to contract communicable diseases if they have not been vaccinated.

If your cat’s diarrhea lasts longer than 24 hours, contact a veterinarian to rule out other potentially serious causes and make a treatment plan for the diarrhea itself. Chronic diarrhea that persists or recurs frequently can indicate a serious medical condition that needs to be seen by a veterinarian. Never give a cat human medications for upset stomach or diarrhea. Human medications are not meant for cats and can contain toxic ingredients. They also don’t do anything to address the underlying cause of the diarrhea, and masking the symptom can make things worse. If your cat is experiencing diarrhea or if you have questions about your cat’s intestinal health, you can contact an online vet through Vetster.

Why does my indoor cat have diarrhea?

There are several reasons why a cat, indoor or outdoor, may be experiencing diarrhea. Common causes include a sudden change in their diet, ingesting something they shouldn’t, such as a houseplant, internal parasites, a viral or bacterial infection, and side effects from medication.

Do worms cause diarrhea in cats?

Intestinal worms can cause diarrhea in cats. However, most cats with intestinal parasites show few to no symptoms. Do not assume your cat has worms because they have diarrhea, or assume they do not have worms because they appear to have normal stool.

Should I feed a bland diet to my cat with diarrhea?

A common cause of diarrhea in a cat is sudden dietary change. Feeding your cat a bland diet without consulting a veterinarian can do more harm than good. Always consult a veterinarian before changing your cat’s diet, even if they are experiencing diarrhea.

What causes chronic diarrhea in cats?

Prolonged or recurring diarrhea in cats can indicate serious health issues, such as hyperthyroidism, metabolic diseases, kidney disease, liver disease, a neurologic disorder, feline distemper, and many more. To find the source of the problem, a vet will likely recommend diagnostic tests for your cat.