Pet diarrhea is one of the messiest and most upsetting health problems to occur. In this article, our Fremont veterinarians will address the topic of what to do if your cat has diarrhea.
Cat owners across the world want to know how to stop chronic diarrhea in cats. Read below to find out why cats suffer from diarrhea and when it's time to head to the vet for a serious or routine health exam.
Cat Diarrhea
You are not alone if you have ever wondered, why does my cat have diarrhea? Mild diarrhea can be caused by simply changing to a new brand or flavor of food. It can also be caused by eating a small amount of table scraps or any food that they have picked up while roaming inside or outside the home.
There are also a number of more serious health issues that could lead to diarrhea in cats.
What Causes Diarrhea In Cats?
Below are some of the most common reasons for a cat to have diarrhea:
- Ingesting toxins or poisons
- Viral infection
- Parasites
- Bacterial infections
- Pancreatitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Colitis
- Liver or kidney disease
- Intestinal cancer
- Medications such as antibiotics
- Stress or anxiety
How do you know whether your or your cat's diarrhea requires a visit to the vet?
When To Contact Your Vet About Cat Diarrhea
With rare occurrences of diarrhea in your healthy pet, it is likely not a cause for concern. However, if their health deteriorates and there are more instances of diarrhea it is a cause for concern. Monitor your pet's bowel movements to see if things clear up. More than 2 episodes could indicate a problem, so it's a good idea to contact your vet if your animal companion 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 may be suffering from a painful obstruction caused by ingesting a toy or other foreign object. As this is a very serious issue that requires immediate veterinary attention, contact your veterinarian immediately or go to the nearest emergency animal hospital for care.
Recurring bouts of diarrhea over a short period of time could be a sign of a very serious health issue, particularly if your pet is very old, very young, or has a compromised immune system. A number of infections can be very serious, contagious, or even life-threatening. Contact your vet right away if your pet is experiencing repeated episodes 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
- Lack of Appetite
- Unusual drooling
- Signs of dehydration
- Sunken dry-looking eyes
- Dry nose, or dry, sticky gums
If your cat is displaying any symptoms that cause you concern, contact your veterinarian. Your vet will let you know whether your pet's symptoms indicate that an examination is 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.
