Diarrhea in Cats: Common Causes & When It's Serious

While mild stomach issues may pass, your feline friend might occasionally experience more serious illness. Our veterinarians in Toledo discuss how to stop and properly treat your cat's diarrhea, what causes diarrhea in cats and when to seek emergency veterinary care.

When Cats Experience Diarrhea

Whether your cat had a single mild bout of diarrhea or has experienced an ongoing issue, you will need to have the issue addressed and treated promptly to avoid complications. Here are some typical reasons your cat might have diarrhea and when to take them to the vet.

In many cases, mild diarrhea can be caused by various factors such as eating table scraps or switching to a new brand of food. However, more severe health issues could also be causing your cat's diarrhea.

Why does my cat have diarrhea?

So, what causes diarrhea in cats? The list of potential causes of diarrhea in cats is quite long. Even so, some causes are diagnosed more often than others. They are:

How to Stop Chronic & Acute Diarrhea in Cats

If your cat is feeling unwell then you should always handle the situation with caution. Taking your feline friend to the vet for an examination allows your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of your cat's diarrhea and recommend the most effective treatment. 

That said, your vet's primary focus will be addressing the underlying cause of your kitty's diarrhea. Once diagnosed, the underlying issue can begin to be properly treated.

If you are wondering what you can give your cat to calm their stomach upset, consult a veterinarian to ask which products might help. A veterinarian may recommend treatments such as anti-diarrheal agents, dewormers, or probiotics (bacteria that support intestinal health).

It is important to remember that human medications can be very dangerous for cats and should never be given to them unless explicitly told to do so by your vet.

Other things to think about when considering how to treat your cat's diarrhea:

• Changing Your Cat's Diet: Changing your cat's food may help rectify the issue. If you have recently changed your cat's food, go back to serving the food you gave them previously. If you haven't changed your cat's food recently, try switching to a gentle GI food for a couple of days or switching your kitty over to a hypoallergenic or low-antigen diet.
• Supplement Your Cat's Diet With Probiotics: Probiotics may be recommended as a dietary supplement for your cat to address the balance of the microbiome and reduce GI upset.
• Increase the Amount of Fiber in Your Cat's Diet: Increase your feline friend's fiber intake by trying a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet that includes potatoes or rice mixed with chicken, turkey, cottage cheese, or yogurt. 

When should you be concerned about your cat's diarrhea?

While the occasional mild diarrhea might not be a serious concern, you should monitor your cat's bowel movements to see if the issue resolves. If your cat has two or more episodes of diarrhea in quick succession, it could be a sign of an underlying problem, and it's best to seek advice from a veterinarian.

If your pet is straining to pass a stool and only producing small amounts of watery diarrhea, it could be a sign of a serious blockage caused by ingesting a foreign object like a toy. This requires immediate veterinary attention, so it's important to contact your vet or head to the nearest emergency animal hospital.

Recurring diarrhea over a short period is concerning, especially for older pets, young animals, or those with a weakened immune system. Some infections can be severe or even life-threatening, so it's crucial to contact your vet promptly if your pet is experiencing repeated bouts of diarrhea.

If your cat has other symptoms accompanying the diarrhea, they may have a more serious illness. Contact your vet immediately if your cat has any of the following symptoms to schedule an appointment:

If your cat is showing symptoms that are causing you concern, contact our vets or the nearest emergency animal hospital 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.